Formal grievances or disciplinary processes are by their nature inherently adversarial.
Mediation is a form of confidential negotiation conducted by a trained and independent mediator between employer and employee or between two or more employees. The mediator is a neutral party whose main role is to focus on facilitating discussions and achieving resolution.
The Mediator does not form any judgment as to who is right or wrong on any side nor do they try to give their own views as to the outcome. If the view is capable of being settled, it is up to the parties to decide how they achieve that.
Some of the main benefits of mediation include:
| Mediation | Litigation |
| Complete confidentiality | Public Record |
| A faster route to a potential solution | A conclusion can sometimes take years |
| Reduced costs - usually a fixed cost which is lower than litigation | Significant costs |
| Creativity in range of solutions | Fixed remedies |
| More likely to preserve the existing relationship | More likely to destroy it |
We work with skilled mediators who can conduct a day’s mediation for a fixed fee. The Mediators we work with are experienced with dealing with disputes between employees and between employees and managers.
Mediation is voluntary and should not be considered where there is an active grievance or disciplinary process.
We also provide mediation training for managers as often mediation skills can be deployed in dealing with grievance and disciplinary proceedings.
Contact us if you wish to discuss the further benefits of mediation to your workplace dispute.