Workplace Mediation
Workplace mediation is a collaborative, cost-effective way of resolving disputes in the workplace. It’s a great alternative to formal procedures, and if initiated at an early stage can avoid Employment Tribunal claims.
What Is Workplace Mediation?
Workplace mediation is a voluntary process, whereby 2 employees who are in dispute work together with a mediator to find a solution to the issues between them. Ideally mediation will take place at the early stages of a dispute, but it can be used at any point up to formal legal proceedings, even after a grievance has been filed.
Mediation is completely confidential – even the employer won’t be told what was said during the process. This makes it a safe space for employees to explore their feelings and get to the root cause of the dispute.
Research suggests that mediation succeeds in over 90% of cases, enabling employees to get back to being happy and productive, and saving the employer time and legal expenses.
When Is Workplace Mediation Needed?
Mediation is often recommended when one employee has made allegations of bullying against another. It can also be used when there is a general breakdown in the relationship between two employees, even between staff and management. Mediation can also help when difficulties have arisen as a result of re-structuring or when two employers have merged.
Mediation can work alongside a formal grievance process. However, mediation is not suitable where there have been allegations of serious misconduct (e.g. violence) or criminal activity.
Benefits of Mediation
Because mediation is entirely voluntary, it is more effective than a solution being imposed upon employees. When the staff members have worked together to find common ground, and a way forward, they are far more likely to keep to what they have agreed than if they are simply told how to behave.
The mediator will be entirely impartial – there is no judgement. Employees therefore feel safe to express themselves, and just feeling heard can often help employees to move towards common ground.
Once the parties have reached an agreement, they can go back to working together in a professional and productive way.
Mediation is far more affordable for employers than dealing with Employment Tribunal claims. It is also far more efficient in terms of management and HR time. Employees who work with the parties will often be happier and more productive once the issues between their colleagues have been resolved.
Contact the Team Dispute Resolution
Fill out the form and a member of our team will get in touch to discuss how we can help.
Why choose Mullis & Peake?
Experienced Team of Solicitors
An employment law solicitor with over 20 years’ experience, Esther is an accredited workplace mediator, having completed her training with The TCM Group. Esther will mediate with empathy, but will remain completely impartial.
Esther is able to carry out mediations at your premises, or via Teams if you prefer.
Mediations involving 2 employees last up to one day, at a fixed cost of £1,750 plus VAT in person, or £1,500 plus VAT via Teams . This includes initial contact with the parties, drawing up a mediation agreement for the parties to sign, and after-care follow ups at 1, 3 and 6 months after the mediation.
If mediation is required between more than 2 employees, please contact Esther for an estimate of fees.
Call Esther for a no-obligation conversation to see if mediation is right for your employees.
Our latest insights
Holly is a Member and Head of Mullis and Peake’s Dispute Resolution Department
Martyn is a consultant and specialises in contested Wills and personal injury.
