Case Study: Mediation Working Relationship Breakdown (Financial Services Organisation) Two managers found themselves chasing the same commission as a result of winning a piece of business. Each felt that the other had stolen the other’s right to the money and they started to argue, become uncooperative and make abusive remarks in front of others. The atmosphere deteriorated and soon became stressful, for themselves and others. One had begun to take time off sick, the other asked for a transfer, and both had submitted formal complaints about the behaviour of the other. The complaints procedure internally was likely to cost around £25,000 to explore both cases and their counter-claims separately and would involve considerable time from a number of employees and managers. The employees were given the option of a facilitated meeting to explore their differences in private with the help of professional workplace mediators. The employees were cautious at first, but soon found that they both shared the same desire to ensure the company’s bonus procedure did not put people in such a conflicting situation in the future. In just one day, two mediators helped them to begin talking again and they resolved to work together to change the company process which had contributed to their conflict. Both complaints were withdrawn, saving the company at least £23,000 and restoring a sense of dignity and control over their situation for the employees.
Please note that the names and organisations of the parties involved have been omitted for confidentiality purposes.
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