What Do I Need To Know About Workplace Mediation?

As a mediation service, we are frequently asked questions, mediation is quite unknown to most people unless they have gone through the process themselves, depending on the situation, it can seem especially unnerving, but we are here to make the process as easy as possible, here are some of our most frequently asked questions.

Who Pays?

The most frequently asked question is usually to do with costing, with workplace mediation, it has to be paid by the workplace, as it is a workplace dispute, it cannot be done without being first put through the HR department or an equivalent. Depending on the number of parties, how long a session you need and whether it will be face-to-face mediation, the prices will vary, we are happy to provide you with a personalised quote!

Do You Invite The Parties For Me?

As the process has to have gone through proper channels prior to mediation, it is on the workplace HR or equivalent to ask the parties if they are willing to mediate and let us know when they are available to do so, there’s no point in spending money booking if they’re not happy to negotiate.

Is It Confidential?

Yes, everything said in mediation is confidential unless the parties say otherwise, prior to mediation, you sign an agreement that states that whatever is said is confidential, no recording is allowed, no one else is in the room unless you agree beforehand, and your workplace will receive a short summary letting them know if the session was successful or if a further session is required but otherwise everything said in mediation will remain completely confidential.

Do I have To See The Other Party To Mediate?

In short, you do not, especially if the situation is serious we understand it can be quite nerve-racking to speak directly to the other party/parties, so the mediation can be conducted on a ‘shuttled’ basis until you are ready, the mediator will go between
the two or more parties, discussing matters and negotiating as they go, for the most part, our appointments are done via video call so if you want to be in the comfort of your own home, you can! We do offer face-to-face shuttled mediation but obviously, this can take more time and possibly more sessions.

How Long Is Mediation?

We usually book half-day sessions which are 4 hours (start time between 10:00 and 14:00) or full-day sessions, which are 7 hours (usually starting at 10:00), depending on how complex the matter is, we usually recommend a full-day session, but if you
are unsure whether mediation will work, there’s not too much to work through or you have to work around certain hours, you can try a half-day session to get the ball rolling.

How Long Does This Take To Arrange?

Usually, we can arrange mediation for the next week if the parties are all available and happy to mediate, for certain cases depending on our availability, we can do the same week!

Have more questions or want to start the process? Book your free initial consultation by clicking here and we can get you started on the road to a stress-free workplace.

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