When is Mediation the correct solution to Workplace Disputes?

Mediation is often the solution when it comes to disciplinary issues, performance, behaviour and dismissals in the workplace. But, when is mediation the right approach to workplace conflict?

• The conflict / dispute is fairly moderate
• There are clear issues that have been identified and they can have a substantial result
• All parties have volunteered to participate
• There is no imbalance between the parties involved
• Participants are able to express themselves and their positions freely
• Total confidentiality is agreed on as well as privacy
• Both parties are interested in getting the matter resolved
• The company or organisation involved is prepared to provide support to the parties in the future and agrees to the resolution that has been reached

Mediation is all good and well, but the parties involved need to work hard alongside the mediator so that there is a successful outcome.

• So what are the ingredients of a successful mediation?
• Participants involved must believe that the conflict / dispute can be successfully resolved
• They are willing to resolve it and have an open mind about the mediation process
• Parties involved have insight and the ability to self-reflect
• Participants are ready to move on
• They have the ability and the capacity to listen to the other persons perspective or side of the story

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. Please note that our practice is based in Cape Town, RSA. Should you require advice on selecting a mediator outside of Cape Town, please contact us and we will gladly provide you with a referral.

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.