Workplace Mediation: Resolve Conflict Early & Save Money

When considering whether to mediate a dispute of any kind, time is always of the essence.  The sooner an issue is identified and acted upon, the better for everyone involved.  It is a well-known fact that pre-litigation mediation when successful can reduce time, money and stress, allowing the parties to come up with a solution that works for them all.  Even if agreement isn’t reached on the day, then the mediation process will inevitably have narrowed down the issues between the parties.

Workplace Mediation is no different.  Conflict in this context is any workplace disagreement that affects the flow of work.  The cost of conflict in the workplace costs UK Employers a staggering £28.5 billion per annum (ACAS).  Therefore, the need to resolve any type of disruption or disagreement in the workplace at an early stage is of paramount importance, thus reducing the impact on the organisation and workforce as a whole.

Workplace mediation can be instigated in the early stages of a disagreement where staff are still employed and is an informal process.  The alternative route is for an employee to take the organisation’s formal Grievance Procedure route.

The cost to an employer of having a matter proceed to formal tribunal is in the region of £30,000.  The cost to an employer of attempting to settle the matter via early resolution is generally in the region of £1,500 – £2,500.

Whether you are an employee experiencing difficulties in the workplace or an employer trying to keep the peace between valued employees, please feel free to contact Liz Kendall on 07702 202882 for a confidential discussion to explore whether mediation is a way forward for you.