MEDIATION

Mediation

If you have working relationships that are broken down:

  • How do you get individuals to work together again?
  • How can a team work constructively together again?
  • Are staff absent from work or avoiding working with others because the environment is so unpleasant?

There are times when things just don't go smoothly within a team, or between individuals, which cause unrest and the breakdown of constructive working relationships.

At times mediation may feel like the last resort and recent research has found that most managers see mediation as just this. (ACAS 2008). However, by intervening earlier, mediation can save time, anxiety, discipline, grievance and counter grievances and even, in extreme cases, avoiding claims by former employees to an Employment Tribunal. ACAS also found 50% of managers from small and medium sized companies believe this service is only for large organisations.

4PEOPLE offer a mediation service using a process based on appreciative inquiry. For those involved who want to find a way forward this is an effective conflict resolution approach. Those involved agree to take part in the discussions which are completely confidential helping them to reach a solution that's practical and acceptable to everyone.

The mediator will:

  • Establish what is working effectively
  • Define the working environment and relationships that the individuals want to be part of
  • Ask questions to help to uncover the gaps to achieving a constructive working relationship, and
  • Assist the individuals to clarify the next steps for working together effectively

The aim is to restore the employment relationship so the focus is on working together to move forward and to avoid blaming for what has happened in the past.

4PEOPLE have an immediate success rate of 75% successful in helping individuals work more effectively together as a result of this type of intervention.

Please contact 4PEOPLE for further details about our mediation service.