Earlier this year, I obtained a Certification from the National Association of Certified Mediators. As an HR professional, I have long been responsible for the resolution of workplace disputes. These have ranged from minor disagreements such as the placement of furniture and the use of scented candles, all the way to executive leadership clashes and discrimination claims.
The certification course gave me great insights into how to structure these conversations so that they were the most productive and amicable as they could be.
What is Workplace Mediation?
Workplace mediation is about finding a solution that all parties can agree to. It is also forward thinking. While past experiences and conflicts are important in framing the history and context of the disagreement, the mediation is designed to find a solution for the future.
Workplace mediation is an effective way to find a solution for a disagreement before it escalates into a problem that affects productivity and morale or involves litigation. It is particularly useful to rebuild relationships after a disciplinary action or disagreement in the way decisions were made. It is also much more cost effective than the alternative!
How Is Workplace Mediation Used?
Mediation sessions are centered around improving communication and finding a solution. All parties in a successful mediation have an involvement in what is the final outcome. It is a solution that can reduce workplace stress, reduce turnover, and prevent small miscommunications from becoming larger problems.
Mediation sessions are less formal, centered around dialogue and are confidential. Mediation can be used to repair personality clashes, relationship breakdowns and communication problems in a neutral and non-judgmental setting. Mediation can be used at any stage of a disagreement, but it is best to start as soon as possible. The earlier any disagreement is dealt with, the less of a chance the conflict will worsen!
At HR NOLA we love HR so you don’t have to! Do you have a workplace dispute that needs a neutral third party to mediate? Contact us today for more information!
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