Resolving Disputes with Workplace Mediation
One of the great things about being a part of a workplace is the opportunity for people to work as a team. As Aristotle once said, the whole can be so much greater than just the sum of its parts – together we can achieve so much more!
However things do not always run smoothly and whenever human beings come together, conflict is likely to arise - and the workplace is no exception.
While these situations usually are usually quickly resolved, there are times when they can escalate. A seemingly simple ‘personality clash’ or other dispute can have far-reaching effects, not just impacting the individuals involved. Workplace conflict that is allowed to fester will likely disrupt and distract other team members, harm workplace morale, jeopardise project outcomes, and cost your business both time and money.
One of the options for management when dealing with any ongoing dispute of this nature, is to arrange for mediation by a specialist in workplace relations.
What is Workplace Mediation?
Workplace mediation involves having a neutral third party, a trained mediator/facilitator, attempt to work with the conflicting parties with the aim of identifying the main issues, and finding a solution that is mutually satisfactory.
It is not a process designed to determine facts, or make judgements on exactly what has happened; it is rather, a matter of listening to each party involved, hearing their stories and concerns, introducing them to other perspectives, and then finding a way to navigate a way past the dispute. It will also likely involve setting guidelines in place to prevent further issues from arising.
Workplace mediation is entered into voluntarily by the parties involved, and is an informal and confidential process. Once a settlement has been reached, documents will be drawn up and signed by both parties. At this point, it becomes an enforceable contract.
The Benefits of Workplace Mediation
Workplace mediation by an accredited facilitator can be an effective means of dispute resolution. Benefits include – but are not limited to:
Achieving acceptable outcomes in a fast and cost-effective way
Repairing relationships by providing equal opportunity to be heard
Giving participants a level of control over the outcome
Reducing employee stress, absenteeism and turnover
Demonstrating a commitment to employee wellbeing
Mediation has been proven to deliver results. In fact, the Mediation Institute has measured settlement rates to be somewhere around 75 – 90%. When people feel that a process is fair, they are likely to be more satisfied with the outcome.
By implementing mediation promptly, management can demonstrate that they are committed and proactive when it comes to supporting the wellbeing of their staff, and maintains healthy employee relations.
Workplace Mediation Brisbane
At MJSP Management Consulting, our consultants are accredited by the Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators to conduct Alternative Dispute Resolution. Our workplace mediation specialists have extensive experience in developing and delivering practical strategies to resolve workplace conflict, allowing you to spend your time focussing on managing your business.
While we are based in Brisbane, our workplace mediation experts provide services throughout Australia, either online or in-person, as required. To find out more, contact the MJSP team on (07) 3839 1233 or admin@mjsp.com.au.