Written by: The TCM Group

An insight into the wonderful world of mediation!

20 Oct 2022

Share article:

Tags:

A study conducted by The Myers-Briggs Company in August 2022 revealed that the amount of time spent on resolving workplace conflict has doubled since 2008. Alarmingly, on average, respondents spent over 4 hours per week handling employee disputes. This of course amounts to a significant cost in terms of man hours and decreased productivity!

Worryingly, this does not take into account costs accrued as a result of employee sickness/absence, grievance/disciplinary procedures, resignations and other related processes that are associated with such disputes.

Is there a solution?

It’s within this context that mediation is presented as an alternative, friendlier and more people-centred approach to resolving workplace disputes. Allowing involved parties to have an opportunity to express themselves, have an open and honest conversation, and be heard, mediation can help to mend relationships and protect employee wellbeing.

In turn, by offering a less formal, rigid and time-consuming approach to conflict resolution, mediation can save organisations a significant amount of time and money, while crafting a happier, people-centred workplace culture.

Harriette Wolff, TCM’s Director of Resolution and Investigation Services, recently provided her insights and best practice, alongside experienced mediator and TCM Transformation Consultant, Pip Brown in our Mediation Eye Opener webinar.

 

5 Top tips for mediation

Some top tips for aspiring mediators which were shared during the session include:

  1. Listen Actively – Create a safe space. Open questions. Acknowledge, affirm, appreciate.
  2. Be empathetic – What is going on for them right now? Walk in their shoes.
  3. Don’t judge, evaluate, assume or blame – Support the person to tell you their story. Suspend judgment.
  4. Depersonalise the situation – Encourage the speaker to describe their 1) observations, 2) their feelings and 3) their needs. You do the same.
  5. Focus on interests and needs – Negotiate and make requests of each other which are mutually beneficial.

To catch up on the full session delivered by Harriette and Pip, please click here. Alternatively, if you would like to find out more about how TCM could support your organisation to integrate mediation into your conflict resolution process click here.

You may also like to read

11 Dec 2023 | Robyn Marsh
Tips for attracting and retaining top talent
Attracting and retaining top talent is a key driver of organisational success. As leaders, we must embrace a multifaceted approach that not only attracts top-tier individuals but also fosters an environment where they can thrive and grow.
30 Nov 2023 | Robyn Marsh
The imperative of prioritising inclusion in organisations
Inclusion goes beyond mere representation—it's about creating an environment where every individual feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.
20 Nov 2023 | Robyn Marsh
Connecting company values with purpose and behaviours
Championing the fusion of company values with a powerful purpose and connected behaviours is a game-changer for organisational success. It fuels engagement, inspires authentic leadership, and sparks innovation.
15 Nov 2023 | Robyn Marsh
The strategic benefits of outsourcing
One strategic approach that has gained significant traction in recent years is the outsourcing of mediation, investigation, and coaching services.
07 Nov 2023 | Robyn Marsh
Unlocking success: the transformative power of skills development and training
Investing in skills development and training in the workplace is an investment in your organisation's long-term success.
02 Nov 2023 | Robyn Marsh
Shaping a vibrant company culture
Want to sculpt a thriving culture? Explore the transformative impact of leadership development, innovative HR policies, and strategic diagnostics and reviews.