Workplace Mediation

Please note: We are currently going through a transition and our mediation program may not be available. Please reach out to your TELUS Health Learning Consultant for more information.

Description

Within diverse groups of people, conflict is inevitable. In the workplace, the likelihood of conflict can be heightened; fuelled by stress, contrasting personalities and values, job pressures, and communication issues. Workplace indicators include conflict, poorly performing teams, incidences of hostility or aggression and poor communication.

Poorly managed or unresolved conflict not only affects the performance of those directly involved in the conflict, but the productivity of others around them. Conflict in the workplace can also lead to absenteeism, turnover, legal action, and strains internal resources that are required to manage the situation.

Mediation can be used to create a workplace culture of fairness and equity, and to support Human Resources policies in the areas of conflict resolution and performance management. With skilled third-party intervention, effective mediation gets to the heart of the matter to ensure resolution, while upholding respect for an organization’s employees, integrity, and business objectives.

Mediation can positively impact a workplace by:

  • Supporting a workplace culture of fairness and equity.
  • Supporting Human Resources policy in the areas of conflict resolution and performance management.
  • Improving working relationships, effective communication and skill development in problem-solving and conflict resolution.
  • Reducing and/or preventing absenteeism, turnover, and/or legal action.

Structure

Delivered as a series of meetings between affected parties. Mediation only begins when all parties agree to be willing and engaged participants in the mediation process.

  • Initial in-depth interview process allows the mediator to assess the situation and provide preliminary coaching in support of the process to achieve desired results.
  • Based on gathered information and facts, the mediator will determine the structure of the process.
  • Mediators will use fundamental principles, primarily interest based mediation, which promote improved working relationships, effective communication and skill development in problem-solving and conflict resolution.
  • Participants able to reach an agreement will craft agreements to solidify the resolution after mediation has ended. In instances where an agreement is not reached, recommendations on how best
    to manage the situation will be provided to the organization.
  • Confidentiality ensures that privacy and respect are maintained during and after mediation.

Mediators

Our approach, interest based mediation, promotes improved working relationships, effective communication and skill development in problem-solving and conflict resolution. Our network of Qualified and Chartered Mediators are affiliated with ADR Canada, a non-profit organization committed to the development and promotion of dispute resolution services, and excellence in the field.