WORKPLACE MEDIATION

Mediation is a voluntary, non adversarial process for settling disputes in which a third party (the mediator) assists the disputing parties to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement. The distinguishing feature of mediation is that the parties themselves determine the content of their agreement; a solution is not imposed.

There are many advantages:

• The mediator maintains a neutral position at all times
• The process is fast, effective, private and confidential
• The parties concerned jointly craft their own settlement terms
• Mediation protects and enhances the primary relationships between disputing parties
• It is a short term intervention and relatively inexpensive
• It seeks to accommodate different view points; parties can also agree to arbitration
• Mediation as a process systematically works through the various issues
• It facilitates exploration and communication of the settlement options
• Mediation seeks to contain conflict situations and not allow them to escalate