Workplace Mediation – What is it, and How can it Help your Business?

Mediation is totally 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 real cause of the dispute. Research suggests that mediation succeeds in over 90% of cases, allowing employees to get back to being happy and productive, and saving the company time and legal expenses.

Mediation can be very effective when one employee has made allegations of bullying against another. It is also appropriate when there is a general breakdown in the relationship between two employees, or even between staff and management. Mediation can help when difficulties have arisen as a result of re-structuring, or when two companies 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.

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 them 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.