Mediation & Conflict Resolution

When conflict or complex issues in the workplace arise, mediation and facilitated discussions may be required to resolve these issues and strengthen the workforce. WorkPlacePLUS acts as a neutral third-party service. We can facilitate effective communication within your teams and enable mutual and successful outcomes. Our skilled HR consultants are also certified to perform court-mandated mediation under the National Mediation Accreditation System.

Why is Mediation Important?

Mediation and facilitated discussions ensure that workplace conflicts are addressed quickly to avoid further escalation or conflicts. By addressing these issues early, you promote transparent communication, relationship building and positive team morale in your workplace. 

Not only is mediation crucial for creating a safe and fair work environment, but it also: ​​​

• Empowers your employees by giving them a voice.

• Promotes open communication and collaboration, as your employees can be an active part of the problem-solving process.

• Saves time and money as it is generally more cost-effective than formal and legal processes.

• Enhances safety and productivity. By addressing conflict at earlier stages, it minimises disruptions that conflict can otherwise cause. 

• Supports compliance as it allows you to resolve workplace disputes effectively. Mediation is recognised as an important tool for employers to proactively manage their employer duties under Respect At Work and Work, Health and Safety (WHS) laws.​

When is Mediation Required?

As an employer, it is crucial to be able to identify when mediation is necessary and beneficial to your workforce. Some examples of when you may need to consider mediation or facilitated discussions as an approach include: 

• When there is an ongoing conflict between two or more employees, especially if it has begun to impact team morale and attitude.

• Communication breakdowns that lead to mistakes and misinformation.

• If there are disagreements between a manager and a team member.

• Any cases of bullying or harassment.

• When an employee is returning to work after a prolonged period of absence or investigation. 

Mediation offers a less formal approach compared to conflict resolution through the justice system. Workplace mediation and facilitated discussions facilitate honest discussion through a safe space where employees can work towards a mutual and positive outcome. This can reduce the risk of further escalation and promote relationship building and strengthening in the workplace, where safe and honest communication is encouraged.

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When is Mediation Not Appropriate?

In some instances, mediation may not be the appropriate course of action when workplace conflict emerges. Serious misconduct or policy breaches require a formal workplace investigation. It is important to seek professional support, undergo a fact-finding process, and identify scenarios cautiously to be able to determine their gravity and the appropriate course of action.

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How WorkPlacePLUS Help You With Mediation and Conflict Resolution

By opting for a third-party mediator, like WorkPlacePLUS, you can ensure that you are navigating the scenario without any bias or prejudice. As a neutral party, WorkPlacePLUS can ensure that a successful outcome is achieved for everyone involved. We help maintain confidentiality and transparency throughout the mediation process, as oftentimes employees are more inclined to be honest with people who are not involved in the incident or associated with the workplace. 

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As experts in workplace mediation, we can guide the process with problem-solving techniques and de-escalation methods that manage your workplace conflict with sensitivity, skill and expertise.

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With WorkPlacePLUS, you can benefit from an impartial expert who will navigate your scenario with confidence. So, how do we manage the mediation process?

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Our Process

We handle the process easily and clearly, so you don’t need to worry about what comes next. Here’s how we do it:

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1. Initial Consultation
   The first step will be our initial consultation, whereby we’ll meet with management or your HR department to understand the scenario and the projected goal or resolution of the mediation.
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2. Private Meetings
   We’ll then conduct confidential meetings with each individual involved to prepare for the mediation session and understand each perspective clearly.
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3. Mediation Session
   This is where the mediation session takes place. We’ll ensure that the process is conducted with respect for all parties and guide the conversation towards a mutual resolution.
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4. Agreement
   As the mediator, we’ll ensure that all participants are in agreement with the resolution and have their own practical approaches detailed, so we can document a confidential and official agreement.
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5. Ongoing Support
   We offer post-mediation support to ensure that the agreement is sustained and followed by all parties.

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Get Started With WorkPlacePLUS

Our team of HR professionals at WorkPlacePLUS have extensive experience in managing processes with sensitivity and respect. They are trained to navigate workplace conflict and facilitate resolution through a range of tools, including mediation, facilitated discussions and restorative practice. 

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We’ll talk you through your options to ensure you can navigate workplace conflict with the appropriate tools and processes. 

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For more information on how to get started, contact our team today.

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