First published: March 2nd, 2021
Last updated: June 27th, 2022
Mediation is something many people feel they should know how to explain, but when asked, they struggle to do so.
So, what is mediation?
Meaning of mediation
Simply put, mediation is a cost-effective way of resolving disputes and building consensus with the help and assistance of an independent third-party.
Other dispute resolution processes may include a third party deciding the outcome, such as what you would find within an adjudication setting e.g., a court. Within mediation, the outcome of the dispute remains in the hands of the disputing parties to decide.
The mediation process
Through the use of a qualified and properly trained mediator, the mediation process is an independent, confidential, and structured process that facilitates agreements through the use of open questioning and probing. Such agreements are unlikely to happen on their own, without a facilitated agreement.
In many circles, mediation is known as an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Others may refer to it as an informal dispute resolution process. However, in many respects, these terms may cause confusion or downplay the strength and effectiveness of mediation as a process and the part a mediator plays in resolving disputes.
The mediation process is only informal insofar as that the process is conducted without the use of formal processes or layers of formal documentation. It’s an alternative process when compared to the time, expense, and diverted resources associated with resolving disputes through formal processes.
That’s not to say that there’s no need for formal processes, rather stating the comparison.
Mediation is a proven method of dispute resolution, as any agreement reached during the process is made directly between the disputing parties rather than being imposed upon them by a third party. That decision would likely be challenged through an appeal process by the “losing” party.
Workplace mediation
Significant occupational research into interpersonal relationships within the work environment suggests that a unified workforce, working together behind a common set of goals and values, has been proven to result in greater performance of the workforce and the overall business success.
Such high-performing environments promote employee engagement, inclusion, and a harmonic work environment with reduced levels of occupational stress.
However, on occasion, there’s a fine line between what’s perceived to be healthy disagreement and what could be classed as conflict leading to both clear and underlying disputes amongst employees and management.
Broadly speaking, conflict within the workplace is seen as a likely occurrence and your business should have processes in place to manage such situations. That may include dispute resolution processes outlined within your business’s employee handbook.
It’s recognised that there are five underlying causes of conflict within the workplace, which are:
- Information: Something was missing, incomplete or ambiguous.
- Environment: Something in the environment leads to conflict.
- Skills: People lack the appropriate skills for doing their work.
- Values: A clash of personal values leads to conflict.
- Identity: The participants’ sense of identity puts then at odds with each other.
Whilst not discounting the need for formal processes, such as performing detailed investigations and issuing findings and decisions, rarely does a formal process address and resolve the causes and underlying issues of conflict as outlined above.
This is where the mediation process is most effective.
It’s been proven that properly implemented informal workplace dispute resolution interventions have greater success in resolving workplace disputes. They also serve to protect the long-term working relationship between the disputing parties. This includes mediation by a qualified and trained mediator.
In fact, external industrial relations bodies and adjudication services such as the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and ACAS now recognise that informal processes, including mediation, should be the first considered intervention in workplace disputes. Codes of practice should indicate employer responsibilities in this regard.
Benefits to dispute resolution through mediation, include:
- Speed: Disputes are addressed and potentially resolved in a matter of days.
- Cost: Far less costly than the expense associated with formal processes, including diverted resources.
- Confidential: The process is protected through confidentiality agreements.
- Voluntary: Parties are willingly engaged in finding a solution to their dispute and not forced to agree or have a decision imposed upon them.
- Open process: As the process is protected through confidentiality, both parties are able to have a full and frank discussion without the fear of having information used against them.
- Protects the working relationship: The process is not about who’s right or wrong, rather seeking to resolve an issue and agree a way forward.
External mediation services
Why use an external mediation service for workplace dispute resolution?
Mediation is a voluntary process, led by a suitably trained, qualified, and impartial third party, facilitating a resolution to a dispute.
Most businesses have limited resources in this area. Many struggle to appoint a party who’s trained in the practice of mediation and is a “stranger” to the dispute and able to be truly impartial.
Poorly executed informal processes may even lead to an escalation of the dispute. That’s why it’s recommended that businesses engage the services of an independent, professionally trained, and accredited mediator to support them with the mediation process.
The independent third-party should be suitably trained in the practice of mediation, a member of a recognised professional mediation body, and be able to carry out their duties in line with the Mediation Act 2017.
Why Graphite HRM?
Graphite HRM has a panel of suitably qualified and experienced mediators specialising in the area of workplace mediation.
We offer third party, truly independent and impartial mediation services, ensuring an unbiased, structured, and confidential process.
For more information, speak to an expert now on 01 886 0350. or request a callback here.
