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Navigating Workplace Conflict Through Mediation - A Superior Approach
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Mediation is a process through which a third party, known as a mediator, guides disputing parties through a conversation carefully structured to identify issues, explore options, negotiate outcomes and reach agreements.
Our mediators, based in Brisbane, are trained in managing challenging conversations and direct conversations to a future focus.
Using mediators to resolve workplace and other disputes is an effective way of avoiding costly legal processes such as going to QCAT or the Fair Work Commission. It also provides individuals in conflict with the ability to choose their own outcomes, and rebuild relationships and communication pathways. Most civil disputes that are filed with a court are resolved through negotiation before a court hearing. A mediation process will ensure this happens early and in a way that limits the costs incurred by the organisation.
Briefing with stakeholders to understand the background to the dispute and the desired goals
Preparing parties for mediation through one on one, confidential discussions with the mediator
Opening a mediation by hearing from all sides and setting a clear agenda
Exploring the history of the dispute, understanding the impacts on each party, and sharing underlying interests.
Private one on one, confidential discussions with mediator to discuss the best future strategy
Negotiating and reaching outcomes together
Recording the outcomes of the mediation and completing any agreed reports.
The purpose of mediation is to have parties openly and honestly discuss their concerns and to identify options and reach agreements about the future. The Mediator does not provide legal advice, they are there to ensure that the communication is respectful and productive. Where appropriate the Mediator may provide information to the parties about the alternatives to mediation.
Mediation can take anywhere between one hour to several days. It will depend on the dispute and the number of people involved. Most of our mediations are completed within three to four hours. We can give you an estimate of how long the mediation will take once we hear more about your dispute.
During mediation the parties to the dispute choose what information they share and what they will agree to. The mediator will not compel you to share any information or make any decisions that will affect your future. The mediation process is entirely voluntary and relies on the goodwill of parties. If after a mediation no agreement is reached, then one or both parties may proceed to legal action. You can also choose to book in multiple mediations to ensure that you have the best chance of a negotiated outcome.
The health and safety of our mediators and participants is paramount. We will not book in mediations if we consider that they are physically or psychologically unsafe. Our mediators will not hesitate to terminate any process that threatens the safety of the individuals involved.
At Conflict Services we have a team of highly experienced & certified mediators, based in Brisbane, who will help you resolve your disputes.
