Workplace Mediation

Workplace disputes can be very costly and time consuming for management. They can also have a negative effect on employee relations, and on the wider organisation. Typical workplace disputes might include:

Disputes between employees
Disputes between an employee and a manager
Bullying and harassment cases
Issues relating to sickness and absenteeism
Equal pay disputes

Workplace Mediation can help save you valuable management time and productivity, fewer escalating disputes and have an overall positive effect on employee relations.

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What is Workplace Mediation?

Workplace mediation is a voluntary and confidential process where a neutral third-party facilitates a conversation between two or more employees who are experiencing conflict. Workplace Mediation can help to resolve a dispute in a timely way that can be very beneficial for all concerned, and help to alleviate the following concerns;

Reduced staff morale
Increased stress for managers and staff leading to worsening sickness absence levels.
A decrease in productivity
Damage an organisation’s reputation
Loss of talent and related recruitment costs
Deflection of management time away from business priorities
Development of a blame culture
Escalation to Employment Tribunal claims

How does Mediation work in the Workplace?

Mediation in the workplace is a powerful tool for resolving conflicts and improving communication among employees.

Here’s how it works:

When a dispute arises, a neutral third-party mediator is brought in to facilitate a conversation between the parties involved. The mediator doesn’t take sides or make decisions, but rather helps the parties identify the root cause of the issue and work together to find a mutually beneficial solution.

The process typically begins with each party sharing their perspective on the issue, followed by a joint discussion to identify common goals and interests. The mediator guides the conversation, asking questions and encouraging active listening to ensure everyone is heard.

Through this collaborative approach, mediation can help resolve conflicts quickly and efficiently, saving time and resources that would be spent on litigation or other forms of dispute resolution. Plus, it helps build trust and strengthen relationships among team members, leading to a more positive and productive work environment.

”"Working with Crowther Mediation has been an absolute game-changer for me. From the outset, their professionalism and dedication to facilitating constructive communication were evident. Through their expert guidance, we were able to navigate a complex dispute with clarity and efficiency.

Crowther Mediation's tailored approach ensured that each participant felt heard and respected throughout the process. Their ability to create a supportive environment for open dialogue fostered mutual understanding and paved the way for meaningful resolutions.

Thanks to Crowther Mediation, what initially seemed like insurmountable challenge transformed into opportunities for growth and collaboration along with clarity and a clear path for each individual. I cannot recommend their services highly enough. If you're seeking a mediation partner committed to achieving successful outcomes, look no further than Crowther Mediation."
Paul PatrickManaging Director, Stadler Rail Service UK Ltd

Workplace Mediation Costs in the UK

Our Workplace Mediation fees cost £1,500 per day plus VAT*.

Workplace mediation is undertaken on a staged basis designed to deal with the circumstances and complexity of the dispute situation. The process starts with a background briefing by the client, and is typically followed by individual meetings between the mediator and the parties. These are then usually followed by a joint meeting involving all parties. Please note the following additional information regarding fees:

*Expenses covering travel and accommodation are charged at cost.
Most mediations are completed within 1 to 1.5 days.
Fees for workplace mediations are usually paid by the employer.

Workplace Mediation FAQ’s

Why is mediation important in the workplace?

Mediation is important in the workplace because it provides a constructive and confidential process for resolving conflicts and disputes in a fair and efficient manner. It allows employees to express their concerns and feelings, and can help to reduce stress, improve communication, and increase employee satisfaction and retention. Mediation can also help to preserve working relationships, reduce the risk of litigation, and promote a positive and productive work environment.

Is mediation suitable for complaints for workplace bullying?

Mediation can be a suitable option for resolving workplace bullying complaints, but only if certain conditions are met. The most important condition is that the employee who is being bullied feels safe and supported throughout the process. This means that the mediator must be experienced in handling workplace bullying cases, and the employer must commit to taking any agreed-upon actions to prevent further bullying. Additionally, the employee should not feel pressured to mediate with the bully, and should have an option to withdraw from the process at any time.

When is mediation not appropriate in the workplace?

Mediation is not appropriate in the workplace when there is a power imbalance, such as a supervisor or manager mediating a dispute between themselves and an employee, or when the conflict is severe and involves issues of harassment, bullying, or discrimination. Additionally, mediation may not be suitable in situations where the parties are not willing to engage in a constructive conversation or where there is a lack of trust and confidence in the mediation process.

What happens when mediation fails in the workplace?

When mediation fails in the workplace, it can lead to a stalemate, where the parties remain unable to reach a resolution. This can result in further escalation of the conflict, potentially causing more harm to relationships, productivity, and overall work environment. In such cases, employers may need to consider alternative approaches, such as formal grievance procedures, arbitration, or even termination of employment.

How to prepare for workplace mediation

To prepare for workplace mediation, it is essential to gather information and thoughts about the conflict before the mediation session. This includes: identifying the issues, gathering facts, and considering the interests and needs of all parties involved. It’s also important to prepare mentally by managing stress and emotions, and to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve from the mediation process. Additionally, having a clear and concise communication strategy can be helpful in ensuring that your concerns are effectively conveyed during the mediation session.

What to wear for Workplace Mediation

Remember Mediation is not court – it is important to dress professionally but ensure you are as comfortable as possible. Find out more in our ‘what to wear for mediation‘ guide.

Explore our bespoke Mediation training packages

Crowther Mediation are uniquely positioned in the UK as not only expert Mediators, but also trained professionals delivering bespoke mediation training packages to individuals and businesses. Explore our current training offerings below:

Civil and Workplace Mediation Training

Conflict Management Training

Other Mediation Services

Civil Mediation

Civil disputes come in a range of forms and can feel both stressful and daunting for those involved. Our mediators help clients start conversations.

Learn more about Civil Mediation

Family Mediation

Family mediation is a voluntary process which allows separating or divorced couples to have a discussion – not an argument – in a safe & controlled environment.

Learn more about Family Mediation

Legally Guided Mediation

This advanced mediation model provides an invaluable opportunity for clients to be supported through the process by their legal representatives.

Learn more about Legally Guided Mediation