In-company mediation involves the presence of an independent mediator, responsible for facilitating communication between companies and their customers or suppliers in the event of disputes, with the aim of reaching a solution. Conventional conflicts often end in legal disputes. The outcome is uncertain, the process is costly and leads to an economically disadvantageous waste of time. When is it appropriate to use this process to resolve problems in the workplace, and what are its advantages and disadvantages? The answer with Antonino Mercuri, a professional mediator.
How does mediation work?
In-company mediation is a completely voluntary and confidential process for resolving conflicts between individuals or parties in the workplace. It is applied by a qualified and neutral third party working with the people concerned with the aim of finding an amicable solution that will suit the people involved.
It can also be used in the early stages of employee grievances, or potential disciplinary sanctions to help promote resolutions, without recourse to formal action or legal proceedings.
Mediation must be conducted impartially in order to ensure that it has every chance of success. There are, however, circumstances where mediation is not an appropriate solution to a workplace problem. A situation involving serious misconduct, for example, should be dealt with through a formal process.
Advantages of mediation in the workplace
A methodical approach to mediation can help to resolve conflicts, improve communication, build trust and restore peace among the various stakeholders.
Mediation can be an effective and cost-efficient way to solve business problems. A skilled mediator will quickly identify the key issues in a case and determine the outcome that both parties want to achieve.
Employment tribunals or court proceedings can be lengthy, costly and stressful, and mediation offers a pragmatic alternative. Even if a case is not completely resolved through mediation, it can be very effective in reducing the procedure and directing the parties towards dialogue.
The long-term effects of mediation include better motivation of the actors, enhanced cooperation, and better conflict resolution. Moreover, the discussions that take place during mediation are non-binding, and the entire process is entirely confidential. Thus, the solution will only be implemented if it is accepted by both parties.
What about the disadvantages?
The main disadvantage of in-company mediation is that there is no guarantee of resolution. It can be considered a waste of time and money if no result is achieved. It is therefore only worthwhile if both parties are willing to compromise.
