A GUIDE TO WORKPLACE MEDIATION

The purpose of workplace mediation is, in a nutshell, to resolve conflict. But it goes further than that - many companies anticipate a positive, forward-facing cultural shift within their organisations following an adoption of alternative dispute resolution.

Here you can find an explainer of the mediation experience, including details of our core mediation principles, processes and practices, underpinned by a transformative approach to workplace conflict.

 

– An overview of workplace mediation

– The principles

– Why use mediation?

– Our Terms of Reference: key objectives

– The magic of mediation

Watch our overview of mediation

This short explainer video will guide you through the key features and the benefits of workplace mediation. It answers the following questions:

  • What is mediation and how does it work?
  • What are the benefits and the advantages of adopting workplace mediation?
  • What is the FAIR Mediation Model and how does it work?
  • What types of disputes can mediation help with?
  • What mediation training and services do we provide?

The principles

Our FAIR Mediation Model™ follows a clear structure which is built on the below core stages of dialogue:

  • Facilitate: Supporting the parties to engage with each other in effective dialogue.
  • Appreciate: To build empathy and understanding between the parties.
  • Innovate: To encourage practical and creative problem-solving.
  • Resolve: To help the parties reach a resolution to the conflict.

The model is underpinned by important values and principles. We will explain the following principles during the introductory calls between the mediator / or facilitator, and the sponsor, and then again during the introductory calls between each party and the mediator / or facilitator:

Why use mediation?

Our Terms of Reference

These are discussed at the introductory meeting and will be reviewed throughout the assignment we undertake for you. However, our standard terms of reference which underpin our work focus on the following core areas:

Restoring a positive and productive working relationship
We'll help you uncover what a positive and productive working relationship looks and feels like, how such a relationship can be restored, how this should happen, and how mediation can support it becoming a reality.
The role of advocates during mediation
We encourage parties to be comfortable to attend their sessions without a representative or advocate, as the role of the mediator is to support all involved and create a safe platform to enter into dialogue. We'll fully discuss the needs of parties from the outset to establish whether any adjustments may be required and how each party can be best supported.
Establishing a way forward
The introductory meeting will give each party the opportunity to discuss the issues as they see them, to find out more around the intervention and, hopefully, to commit to the process. It is important that those involved realise that the mediation process is a useful tool to help amend the situation, and that each party will only get out of the process what they are prepared to put into it.

The magic of mediation

Got a question?

We’d love to hear from you if you have a question about any aspect of mediation – principles, process or practice.

Please provide your details in the form and one of our experienced team will be in touch.