Mediation in the Workplace

Overview

Unresolved conflict can severely disrupt workplace communication, performance and employee job satisfaction and can be costly in terms of productivity and possible legal fees. Workplace mediation is a pragmatic approach to dealing with conflict. It provides the opportunity for those experiencing conflict situations in the workplace to identify the issues, explore options, avoid a blame culture and reach a workable outcome through a clearly stated set of actions. Mediation can help develop a more participative culture in the workplace and a creative approach to handling difficulties in the future.

This practical 2-day course examines the workplace mediation contract, process and necessary communication skills through a series of group exercises, discussions and case studies. Participants will also be given guidance on setting up a successful mediation scheme in their workplace.

This training may be available onsite; please contact us if you are interested.

Audience

The course is suitable for all HR and line managers wishing to develop their workplace mediation skills and understand the workplace mediation process in more detail.Introductory level course - geared towards those who need an introduction to the subject and assumes limited or no previous experience.

Skills Gained

By the end of the course you will be able to:

• demonstrate and apply the skills necessary to successfully mediate workplace conflict
• assess when mediation is appropriate
• evaluate the strategies people use in conflict situations and identify how emotions can be sensitively handled to gain a successful resolution
• set up the mediation contract
• keep appropriate written records of the mediation process
• review how hierarchical relationships, set patterns of behaviour and attitude, self esteem, power, control, and organisational culture can work towards preventing a successful mediation
• advise your organisation on the setting up of a mediation scheme.

Course Outline

Day 1 Introduction

• what is mediation?
• when should mediation be used?
• what are the key principles of mediation?

The mediation process

• introducing the parties to mediation
• gaining a commitment confidentiality, impartiality and neutrality
• the contract with participants role of the mediator
• understanding conflict and how it can be expressed
• hierarchical relationships, patterns of behaviour and attitude, self esteem, power and control working with the emotional context
• managing and progressing the mediation process
• developing the appropriate communication skills
• record keeping.

Day 2 Mediation a case study

• a detailed workplace scenario
• planning a mediation session
• mediation role play and skills development
• feedback
• group exercises
• action planning
• review.