Workplace Mediation

 

 

 

Session Format - Face-to-face (Virtual Via Zoom, Teams or Google Hangouts in exceptional cases)

Led by - Neil Lewis, The Empathy Coach

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Conflict in the workplace is a massive drain on productivity.

• Increased time spent in a negative headspace.

• Resistance to requests.

• Poor collaboration.

• Increased chance of absence due to work-related illnesses.

• Increased formal activity, such as disciplinary and grievance handling.

• Unhappiness, unrest and general discomfort at work.

 

Workplace Mediation can repair relationships and eradicate conflict, leading to much healthier, happier and more productive working environments. The Empathy Coach combines formal mediation processes, delivered with our own proven relationship-building and empathic practices. 100% of our mediation commissions have reached a shared agreement and gone on to have much healthier working relationships.

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Phase 1 – Individual Meetings

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The Mediator (Neil Lewis) will meet with each party separately to get their account of the events. During these meetings it will be the Mediator’s role to establish trust and credibility with both parties so that there is a mutual relationship there. It will also be their role to establish what is fact and what is opinion, and what they each believe the ideal outcome to be. It is in these meetings that the Mediator will also seek to gain agreement to a joint meeting, and clearly outline the ground rules for that meeting. 

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Phase 2 – Joint Meetings

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This is where both parties are brought together under the following ground rules:

• Willingness to understand each other’s experience and perspective, regardless of whether they agree with it or not.

• Willingness to listen.

• Willingness to convey their own experience in a non-accusatory way (i.e., using ‘I’ statements)

• Committed to a positive outcome for all.

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Joint meetings are led by one simple principle - seek first to understand.

• Each party recounts their story uninterrupted and listens to the other party's story.

• The parties work towards a mutually acceptable solution.

• The Mediator will write an agreement approved by both parties.

 

Sometimes if appropriate, the Mediator may introduce an ‘Empathy Circle’, where all parties listen and reflect back what they have heard accurately in order to convey their understanding. The Mediator both facilitates and participates in Empathy Circles.

The aim will be to complete Phase 1 in one meeting, that can last up to two hours, and Phase 2 in up to three meetings, that can also last up to two hours. Meetings will never last beyond 2 hours. In certain cases, additional meetings may be required in both phases.

 

Delivery

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All phases of mediation ideally take place in person. In some cases, virtual meetings (i.e. via Zoom or Microsoft Teams) are possible, but not preferable. Sessions should be carried out within the workplace, in a safe space that is free from distractions for the duration of the meeting.

Attendees may bring a representative with them to Phase 1 individual meetings to provide support. Only in extreme cases would a support representative be involved in Phase 2, and if so, their role must be silent.

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Rigour

 

Each party will be required to sign a contract agreeing to the process. If either party refuses to sign the contract, mediation cannot take place. Following the final joint meeting, both parties will receive a copy of their joint Mediation agreement, which is their commitment to the future.

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Important Points to Consider

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• Both parties must be open and willing to engage in mediation.

• Both parties must begin with a vested interest in achieving a positive outcome for all.

• All parties (including the Mediator) must adhere to confidentiality before, during and after the process.

 

What does it cost?

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The Empathy Coach rates for Workplace Mediation are £100 per hour. Additional administration time (i.e. agreement write-up, travel time etc.) is charged at £75 per hour. Expenses are excluded and will be added as applicable.

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Example 1-day Mediation Investment

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2 x 2-hour Individual meetings - £400.00

1 x 2-hour Joint meeting* - £200.00

2 x hours travel - £150.00

Mileage @ 45p p/mile (100 miles) - £45.00

1 x hour agreement write-up - £75.00

TOTAL - £870.00

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*NB – at times, additional 2-hour Joint meetings are required (up to three in total). Following the initial day, further recommendations will be raised if necessary.                                      

 

We need to be the right coach for YOU, and we'll be the first to say if we don't think it's the right fit, as should you. To find out, you can arrange a free, no-obligation discovery call by getting in touch with us!

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