Workplaces are full of potential disputes and the chances are you have been involved in a conflict yourself. From differences in opinion to personality clashes, there are many reasons why employees might find themselves at odds with each other.
According to statistics from The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in an average year 38% of employees in the UK will experience interpersonal conflict at work. Also, an average of 485,800 employees resign each year as a result of conflict, while 874,000 are absent from work a result of disputes.
While some conflicts can be resolved through open communication, others may require the help of mediation.
However, results can often depend on how experienced and well-trained the mediator is.
At The Listening Centre our highly-skilled counsellors across the Midlands have found mediation to be an extremely effective way to resolve workplace disputes. HR professionals should keep this option in mind when dealing with conflict among employees.
So, what is mediation?
If you want an effective method to resolve workplace conflicts, without long-term animosity or loss of productivity, then mediation could be the answer. One of our experienced counsellors guides two conflicting parties in conversation so that they can both come to a mutual agreement and create a peaceful resolution.
This strategy helps both sides express their concerns and needs, take responsibility for the issue, and adopt new approaches for resolving issues that may arise in the future. Mediation gives each party autonomy as it recognises that compromises are sometimes necessary. However, it also encourages empowering solutions that create understanding between the parties, resulting in stress reduction and improved communication.
Mediation is a great way to increase overall team harmony while maintaining respect among all employees.
What are some of the benefits?
1, Mediation provides a unique opportunity to resolve issues quickly and effectively.
2, Issues are brought up that employees may not have felt comfortable discussing without the mediation process.
3, Mediation can help deal with problems across the business, leading to a happier, healthy workforce.
4, It helps stop more grievances from being raised and leads to a commitment to change behaviour.
5, Mediation empowers employees to work with their employer to come up with creative solutions.
6, It can lead to job retention by building confidence and improving communication with management.
7, Mediation is much less time-consuming and resource-heavy than dealing with arbitration or litigation.
8, Employers remain compliant in terms of labour laws and regulations while promoting staff engagement.
9, Mediation is confidential. A confidential agreement is signed by both parties and information won’t be revealed to anyone, including the employer unless all parties agree.
10, Independent surveys show that mediation is between 80-90% successful and over 90% of all respondents (including the commissioning organisation) would use mediation again.
When faced with a disagreement between co-workers, starting or suggesting mediation can be an effective way to come to a resolution everyone is happy with. In a mediation session, each party has the opportunity to provide their perspective and explain their position in a safe and non-judgmental space.
The Listening Centre ensures that through free and open communication, areas of compromise can be identified which can lead to an agreement that is satisfactory for everyone involved. Mediation often allows people to connect on a deeper level, leading to improved relationships and better understanding in the future.
What does a mediator do?
Because mediation is a voluntary process it means that all parties are prepared to reach an agreement – they wouldn’t be there if they didn’t want the problem resolved!
The mediator will typically guide the conversation and allow both sides to express their views and air any grievances. They will make sure that issues are clarified and then present different options to all parties so they can move towards a mutually acceptable resolution.
Being an effective mediator isn’t something that can be learnt overnight – it takes years of training and experience, something that counsellors at The Listening Centre have in abundance.
Conclusion
Mediation is an invaluable tool for resolving conflicts in the workplace. Not only does it prevent costly litigation, but it also creates a safe and confidential space for individuals to discuss their issues.
It also allows both parties to feel heard, respected and supported which can help build a more trusting and productive work environment. By taking the time to understand what mediation involves, HR professionals can help create a happier and healthier environment at work.
Mediation allows disputes to be dealt with effectively and efficiently instead of going through a costly and time-consuming legal process such as litigation. Overall, mediation is an incredibly powerful tool for a company’s success. When used appropriately it helps protect employees and employers while also promoting mutual trust and collaboration between colleagues.
At The Listening Centre we have built up an excellent reputation for professional integrity among employees and employers across the Midlands. Our counsellors have an extensive and unique body of practical experience delivering workplace mediation and are quality assured thanks to our programme of customer satisfaction research.
Why not get in touch with us via email enquiry@thelisteningcentre.co.uk or by calling 01543 300068
