Workplace Mediation - Top 10 Tips 1. Lay the groundwork.
6. When mediation isn’t enough.
2. Succeed in getting parties to mediate and half the battle is won.
7. After the storm...
Early informal one-to-ones with managers or HR are essential for scoping but shouldn’t take the place of the mediation itself.
The timing and framing of a safe mediation are pivotal in gaining the parties’ agreement to take part.
3. Can you hear me now?
It’s easy to underestimate the value of the one-to-ones with the mediator in paving the way for an effective joint session.
4. Protect the process at all costs.
Mediation is about relationships. What happens when the problem lies more with one person?
We have noticed that almost all formal workplace grievances could have been resolved earlier with mediation. But there is also a place for mediation after any formal steps to manage the consequences.
8. Prevention is better than the cure.
The earlier a workplace issue is resolved, the less costly it will be. How can organisations identify conflict early and before it escalates?
Mediation is constructive and future-focused; it is not a vehicle for reprimand or one that leads to a pre-determined outcome. Create a safe, respectful environment to allow constructive discussion to take place.
9. Conflict can’t be exported.
5. Slow down, detective: Mediation is not an investigation.
10. Managing conflict is everyone’s responsibility.
The two processes are different in purpose and approach. Make sure the parties are clear on their entitlement to either or both and the value of trying mediation first.
As conflict progresses further from its origin, it becomes more likely that resolving it will incur significant cost and fall out. Containing conflict pays off.
For mediation to be fully embedded within an organisation, it must be endorsed at all levels, promoted well and readily available.
Full versions of the tips above will be published in a free digital guide, released in early 2013. To receive a copy, please visit www.peopleresolutions.com/mediationtop10 People Resolutions helps organisations gain a handle on workplace conflict, providing mediation, investigation and training services via a UK-wide network of specialists. To learn more, please visit www.peopleresolutions.com or call 0845 600 8851