Conflict and disconnection in the workplace can negatively impact communication, trust, morale, and the ability to work well together. Not every conflict needs to become a formal complaint or legal dispute. Sometimes, what people need is a structured opportunity to talk, be heard, understand one another, and decide what comes next. Our workplace mediation provides that space.
Our Approach
We approach mediation as a voluntary process that brings people together with an impartial third-party mediator to help change the way people interact with one another when workplace conflict has created disconnection.
As mediators, we do not decide who is right or wrong, determine an outcome, or tell the parties what they should do. Instead, we create an environment where participants can speak openly, listen to one another, and explore what is needed to move forward.
We use the transformative model of mediation, which views conflict as an opportunity for growth and connection. Rather than focusing on determining fault or finding a solution for the parties, transformative mediation puts the people involved in the conflict at the center of the process.
Two ideas are particularly important:
Empowerment
Conflict can leave people feeling unheard, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to move forward. Mediation helps participants regain clarity and confidence in expressing themselves, identifying what matters to them, and making their own decisions.
Recognition
Conflict can make it difficult to see beyond our own experience. Mediation creates an opportunity to better understand another person's perspective, concerns, and experience.
When people have an opportunity to both express themselves and understand one another, the interaction can begin to move from conflict to connection.
Our Process
Our mediation process is designed to be focused and practical. A typical session lasts approximately two to three hours and is offered at a flat fee.
Before the mediation, participants receive and have the opportunity to review an agreement to mediate that explains the process, establishes expectations, and provides the framework for the conversation.
At the mediation, we begin by creating a respectful space for the conversation. From there, the parties determine what they want to discuss, what they want the other person to understand, and whether they want to explore potential ways forward. The mediator facilitates the conversation by listening carefully, reflecting and summarizing what is being said, clarifying issues, checking in with participants, and asking questions.
At the end of the mediation, the parties decide whether they have reached a resolution, identified next steps, improved their understanding of one another, or simply gained greater clarity about the situation.
The mediator brings the structure and support. The parties bring the conversation and decide where it goes.
