Employment Mediation

Research has shown that a third of one’s work time is spent dealing with conflict. That’s nearly three hours a day or two days a week.

‘Many people who are involved in workplace conflict recount the serious impact it has on their lives, including stress, demotivation, division, lack of self confidence, increase in sickness and absenteeism and blame’ Irish Entrepreneur, Business and Life: March 2008

Workplace Mediation addresses conflict which can arise in the workplace. Conflict may occur in many situations often giving rise to relationship breakdown. The causes of workplace conflict include:

• Personality clashes
• Different expectations of management
• Communication styles
• Harassment, Bullying, Prejudice

‘While it is crucially important for both the complainant and the person complained against that an effective process be put in place promptly upon a complaint being made, it is also very important that enough time be given to the process and to any mediation or monitoring that is involved’ Code of practice on the Prevention and resolution of Bullying at Work, Health and Safety Authority

Such conflict can lead to poor work performance, increased absenteeism, increased number of complaints, breakdown in lines of communication and diminished productivity.

Process

The typical mediation process will involve a number of steps:

1. Pre-mediation meetings, telephone conversations, and correspondence with each party. This enables the mediator to obtain a history of the conflict to date and gain an understanding of the perspective of each party.  The mediator will also explain the process and ascertain the willingness and suitability of the parties to mediate.
2. A signed agreement to mediate.
3. Submission and by agreement, circulation of all necessary documentation and position statements.  Where difficulties exist in this regard, they can be brought into the mediation process for consideration.
4. The mediation usually takes place over one day.  However, more complex issues may require a longer period of mediation to enable agreement to be reached.
5. Where agreement is reached , a verbal or written mediated agreement can be entered into by the parties. A written agreement is drawn up by the mediator or by the parties solicitors if they are present and signed by the parties involved.