Workplace Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution method proven to be an effective way to manage poor working relationships between work colleagues at all levels of the organisation.
“Being involved in a conflict – be it a personality clash or a dispute over performance – can cause psychological stress leading to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. The welfare of the organisation is bound up with the health of its employees.“ ACAS – Mediation an approach to resolving workplace issues (2013).
Business leaders are starting to recognise the cost benefits of utilising this powerful method of resolving conflict. ACAS has established the organisation cost of workplace conflict to include:
- the risk of time-consuming formal proceedings such as grievances and employment tribunal claims
- sickness absence costs as the individuals concerned take time off to deal personally with the effects of the conflict
- management time being diverted to dealing with the conflict instead of focusing on managing the business
- staff turnover and re-recruitment and re-training costs, where conflict leads to the departure of those affected from the organisation
- lower staff morale leading to less commitment to exerting discretionary effort, leading to lower productivity
- poor working relationships within the teams affected
- loss of focus on corporate goals and common objectives as people are distracted by the disagreement
- the potential for a blame culture to develop, rather than one focused on innovation
- the employer’s external reputation could be compromised
It is important to remember that participants of mediation must enter the process voluntarily and be keen to find a workable way forward. The mediator will end a session if it emerges that they have been coerced into attending.
Contract HRM Ltd engages only the most experienced and professional mediators that have a proven track record of successfully managing disputes and facilitating mediation meetings. We have adopted the 6-Step Model approach.
Pricing
There are 3 phases of workplace mediation:
Phase 1 – preparation: 1-2-1 calls with participants
Phase 2 – facilitation: Joint meeting
Phase 3 – follow up: Drafting the Agreement / reporting back
A standard price of £895 + VAT is charged to include all 3 phases of mediation. This is based on one day allocated at phase 2. Additional days at phase 2 are charged at £695 + VAT. It is advised to budget for 2 days, but the majority of mediation sessions are concluded within 1 day at phase 2.
Mileage is charged at £0.45p per mile and disbursements (if any) are charged at cost.
For more information and no-obligation advice about how mediation can help to resolves disputes please email us on hello@contracthrm.co.uk.