Workplace Mediation

Conflict in the workplace can have adverse consequences for businesses of all sizes. If not resolved, conflict can lead to a costly Tribunal claim. Crombie Wilkinson offers workplace mediation as a form of alternative dispute resolution to help businesses communicate and work out conflicts.

Get in touch with our workplace mediation expert, Neil Largan, for more information.

When is business mediation necessary?

Here are some factors contributing to the rise of workplace conflict that can benefit from a commercial mediator intervening:

• Modern organisations are dynamic and complex
• Increasing diversity in employee's background (leading to different opinions, values and expectations)
• Organisations are under ever increasing competitive pressures
• Individuals are under increasing pressure to deliver results
• Legislative changes continue to be enacted resulting in change, in terms of organisation and working methods
• Businesses are under huge pressure to "go the extra mile" particularly in recessionary times as to retain previously loyal customers

The cost of workplace conflict for businesses

The financial, time and human cost of conflict at work goes beyond the actual legal fees, and compensation that may be payable in the event of a successful Tribunal claim.

• In family run businesses, such as farming, relationship breakdown at work can be devastating not only to the business itself but also for family relationships
• Conflict leads to sickness absence and staff turnover
• Loss of team moral
• Reduction in productivity levels
• Individual stress and ill health

Luckily, workplace mediation helps in resolving internal conflicts within a business environment in a non-confrontational manner so that work can go on as usual.

What is workplace mediation?

Workplace mediation is a process in which a trained third-party mediator helps two parties in a dispute agree to an outcome they'll both be satisfied with.

At Crombie Wilkinson, we have a workplace mediator, Neil Largan, who can help you find solutions to your workplace conflicts by facilitating discussion, helping the parties understand each other's points of view, and coming up with mutually acceptable solutions.

Do get in touch with us if you require workplace mediation services.

How can workplace mediation help?

Workplace mediation is a great way to resolve conflicts without going to court and it is especially useful when the people involved must continue working together.

Workplace mediation has very distinct characteristics. It is informal, confidential and voluntary. This can be compared to other methods of dispute resolution, for example, Tribunal action which is very formal (akin to a court process), open (in the sense that final hearings are open to the public) and compulsory (the parties have no option but to become embroiled once an action has been started).

Furthermore, workplace mediation is very cost-effective, and the costs involved are a fraction of the legal fees that are likely to be incurred in the event of a Tribunal claim.

In what circumstances can Mediation be effective?

Mediation can be effective at work in lots of circumstances, including the following:

• Relationship breakdown - this is the most common reason why mediation is considered. Where the parties have misinterpreted language or behaviour but through the mediation process relationships can be re-built.
• Bullying and harassment - both parties have an opportunity to communicate through the Mediator. The 'victim' can be assisted to see the other person's perspective and the Mediation process can help the 'offender' to see how their behaviour is affecting their colleague.
• Disciplinary/Grievance procedures - often these procedures are used where there is conflict in the workplace. Such formal procedures can actually make the relationship deteriorate whereas early intervention through Mediation, can be used to rebuild relationships.

Neil Largan has over 20 years of experience helping both individuals and companies get the best outcome from employment and workplace mediation situations. Do get in touch for more information on our mediation services.

Can Mediation be effective in other types of disputes?

Absolutely! Mediation is widely used in an attempt to resolve many different types of business disputes (including partnership issues), disputes between neighbours, family disputes and inheritance matters.

And finally, does Workplace Mediation work?

The statistics are very positive in that it is reported that the approximate success rate is 90% in terms of resolving disputes that are referred to Mediation.

Crombie Wilkinson’s mediator, Neil Largan, has professional accreditations in relation to Commercial/Civil mediation, Workplace/Employment mediation and Family mediation. If you would like to speak to one of our Mediators about Workplace Mediation, please contact Neil Largan on 01904 624185.