Why you should Choose Mediation in the Workplace

Mediation is a process that brings people together to resolve their conflicts in a peaceful and proactive way.

But, why should you use mediation when it comes to resolving disputes in the workplace?

Mediation allows employees to feel recognized and understood. Why? Because they are being heard and they have the power to hear other people’s opinion!

Mediation offers employees the opportunity to feel self-empowered. The workplace is a place where people normally feel they are being told what to do; mediation allows you to have your own input into the final decision.

Mediation is about timeliness and speed. Mediation can take place quickly and doesn’t have to be dragged out for many months. When we compare this to a complaint filed to a court, it can take years to resolve!

Mediation is cost effective not only with money, but time as well. Fees are usually a fraction of the price of the cost of normal legal fees.

Mediation is always confidential. By nature and by contract, mediations are always confidential, so there is no need to worry about a public record like you would with a lawsuit.

Mediation can provide a non-public way for disputing parties to discuss the conflict. From there they can communicate in a civilised manner and come to an agreed upon decision – this is vital when it comes to mediation in the workplace.

At Cape Mediators we offer mediation in the workplace around disciplinary issues, performance, workplace behaviour as well as dismissals and retrenchments.

Be sure to contact Cape Mediators today: email mike@capemediators.co.za or give us a call on 082 422 3324 to book your session.

What does the Mediation Process involve?

In this day and age mediation is used far and wide, and there is rarely a case that is not suitable for mediation!

But what does the mediation process involve? Well, both parties will choose their own process, although mediation does follow it's own pattern in general. It is a process that is completely confidential without any prejudice from the mediator. Many people steer towards mediation because of the fact that it stays away from the court room and allows you to express yourself freely.

A mediator is a neutral person that assists both parties to come to an agreement or settlement. A good mediator is not a judge, but a person that can test both parties and highlight strengths and weaknesses in order to some to a settlement where both parties are happy.

However, the decision to settle is made by the parties. They cannot be forced to settle and will only settle if the terms of that settlement have been agreed.

That is why it is always important to have someone empowered to make a final decision on settlement attending the mediation. There is nothing more frustrating than reaching a deal in principle but then having to adjourn because the decision has to be referred back to someone who is not present.

Mediation is a tried and tested way to resolve conflicts and disputes, including those which are complex and high value.

This is why mediation is seen as a more peaceful and accepted solution that ends and resolves conflicts of any magnitude.

Mediation is an alternative way to resolve conflicts, such as landlord/tenant resolution, labor and contractual disputes, and divorce settlements. Be sure to contact Cape Mediators today: email mike@capemediators.co.za or give us a call on 082 422 3324 to book your session!