What is Mediation?

Mediators are communication experts that help people in conflict meet and work together to have a focused, respectful, productive conversation with the goal of reaching agreements that meet the needs of all parties. They are adept at dealing with the emotions, assumptions and troubled communications that are often preventing people from reaching agreements on their own.

Think of a meeting where a highly skilled Chair was able to create an agenda that covered all the issues, managed the meeting in a way that was respectful and productive, and had everyone voice their hopes and concerns and provide input into the decisions that were made. This is what mediation looks like, except that the mediator does not have a stake in the outcomes, other than to ensure that the process has been fair, that everyone has been heard and that the decisions made are practical, durable, and meet everyone’s needs to the greatest extent possible.

Services

The highly-trained mediators at The Resolution Group are skilled in a variety of approaches, including interest-based and transformative mediation and negotiation. They will design a process that fits your specific situation, ensuring everyone has a voice at the table. At The Resolution Group, we help parties build understanding and create solutions that meet everyone's needs and stand the test of time.

Workplace Mediation

Small Business and Family Business Mediation

Separation and Divorce Mediation

Frequently Asked Questions

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What are the advantages of mediation?

Mediation is private; none of your discussions or supporting documents become public.
Mediation is not an adversarial process. People are not pitted against one another, hoping to win at the expense of the other. People work together to figure out how best to resolve their issues and walk away satisfied with the solutions they have come up with. Many people who use mediation are able to protect and even rebuild their relationships so that they can work together in the future.
Mediation can be tailored to the needs of the parties. Some participants do not want to meet face-to-face. Mediators will work with the parties to design a process that is comfortable and safe for everyone.
While you might wait months to get a trial date, and that is after all the preliminary legal work, you can usually meet with a mediator within a couple of weeks and, if all parties are willing to participate, have the process in place soon after that. Mediation can last anywhere from a single 2-3 hour session to multiple sessions depending on the complexity of the issues and the parties’ situation.
The Meditation Summary can only contain those terms agreed to by the parties. The mediator will not impose any conditions or solutions.
The options from which the parties choose to resolve their conflict are endless. The parties have the power to create and choose their own solutions to the conflict, limited only by their imagination and sense of what is fair in the situation.
A Mediated Summary can be left as an informal agreements between the parties or can be made legally binding. Not everyone wants a contract or court order.
Mediation is cost effective. Our Mediation fees are often much less than those charged by other professionals. The streamlined, collaborative nature of mediation also means less billable hours.

How do I get started wtih mediation?

The first step is deciding you are willing to sit down with the other party and work things out. You don’t have to know how to do this, that is our job.

When phoning The Resolution Group, you will be connected with one of our mediators who will answer any questions you may have and will ask questions to get an idea of the nature of your dispute, your goals for entering the mediation process and the other party’s interest in attending mediation. Fees and payment terms will be discussed in the initial phone call.

After the initial call, the mediator will set up confidential pre-mediation sessions with each party. You will be provided with a copy of the Agreement to Mediate to review prior to your pre-mediation session.

Once both parties have completed their pre-mediation sessions, the mediator will schedule your first joint session at a time and date convenient for everyone involved. A mediation session is typically 2 to 3 hours and is focused on the agenda developed by the parties. Based on that agenda, the parties are supported in an open dialogue in which you can build an understanding of what matters to each of you and, from there, come up with agreements that work for all involved. If agreements are made and the dispute has been resolved to everyone’s satisfaction, the mediator will draft a Mediation Summary of your decisions. Often, parties will need more than one session to resolve more complex disputes. In those cases, the Mediation Summary will be completed after your final session.

What is workplace mediation and how does it work?

Workplace mediation is a voluntary and confidential process in which an impartial third party, a mediator, facilitates conversations between two or more employees to resolve a disagreement or conflict. Mediation is most effective when used early in the conflict as the goal is to assist the participants to understand each other’s perspective and work together to develop solutions that are mutually satisfying. The process begins with individual pre-mediation sessions with each of the participants to prepare for the mediation session(s), and is followed by joint mediation conversations between the participants. If resolution is reached, the participants may choose to have a written agreement and/or follow-up sessions to ensure the agreement is meeting their needs and make any needed adjustments. At the Resolution Group, our experienced chartered mediators guide this process and ensure the participants have a safe environment to have an open dialogue and work collaboratively.

When should a company hire a workplace mediator?

Mediation is most effective when used early in the conflict and when the conflict has escalated beyond informal conflict resolution approaches, particularly when team dynamics and productivity are affected. Early intervention can prevent further disruption by addressing breakdowns in communication or trust and offers employees the opportunity to resolve issues together in lieu of costly and time-consuming formal disciplinary or legal processes. The Resolution Group specializes in facilitating these conversations, helping teams navigate challenges constructively.

What types of conflicts can workplace mediation help resolve?

Workplace mediation is effective for addressing a range of conflicts, including interpersonal disputes, communication breakdowns, and misunderstandings over roles or responsibilities. It can also assist in resolving issues related to team dynamics, management-employee tensions, and cultural or value-based disagreements. Our mediators at The Resolution Group are experienced in handling diverse workplace conflicts, promoting understanding and collaboration.

How do I know if I need mediation for my team?

If you are noticing that conflict in your team, either between team members or as a team, is affecting day-to-day communication, morale and productivity, then mediation may be beneficial. When communication has broken down and the same issues keep resurfacing, there is a chance that the conflict can intensify and the opportunity to support and preserve working relationships could be lost. Engaging in mediation with one of our mediators can provide an impartial approach to facilitate effective resolution and restore team harmony.

Can you explain the difference between HR handling conflict and third-party mediation?

Typically, a mediator is an impartial facilitator who is not connected to your work team or organization; whereas an HR professional is an internal employee and is often viewed as being in a position of authority. While the mediation process provides a voluntary and confidential forum for conversations, HR departments may not be able to provide the same level of confidentiality and may need to move to a more formal process to resolve issues. Mediation is a beneficial process when employees are working to resolve communication or interpersonal issues, and an HR process may be a better fit for situations where policies have been violated or there are legal considerations. At The Resolution Group, our mediators provide a neutral space, ensuring all voices are heard and collaborative solutions are reached.

What are the benefits of using an external mediator for employee disputes?

Engaging an external mediator brings neutrality, confidentiality, and specialized conflict resolution expertise to sensitive workplace disputes. Benefits include fostering open communication, preserving professional relationships, and achieving timely, mutually agreeable solutions. The Resolution Group's mediators are trained to navigate complex dynamics, helping teams move forward constructively.

Is workplace mediation confidential?

Yes, confidentiality is a cornerstone of mediation. Discussions during the mediation process are private, encouraging honest and open communication and it is up to the participants to decide how they want to move forward with any agreements made during the mediation process. At The Resolution Group, we uphold strict confidentiality protocols, ensuring that information shared remains within the mediation setting, fostering trust and candid dialogue.

How long does a typical workplace mediation process take?

The duration of workplace mediation varies based on the complexity of the conflict and the number of parties involved. Typically, the process can be completed within one to two sessions, each lasting a few hours. The Resolution Group tailors the mediation timeline to suit the specific needs of your team, aiming for efficient and effective resolution.

What makes a good workplace mediator?

A skilled workplace mediator is impartial (also known as multi-partial) who is adept at facilitating an open and safe process in which the participants feel heard and respected. A highly competent mediator is grounded in a deep understanding of conflict dynamics, specifically workplace dynamics, and works with the participants to create their own agreements that meet their needs and to which they can be accountable. At The Resolution Group, our chartered mediators have extensive experience in guiding teams through constructive conflict resolution conversations.

Do you offer virtual mediation services?

Yes, we offer mediation services in virtual, in-person, and hybrid formats to accommodate varying organizational needs and busy team schedules. Our online and hybrid sessions maintain the same level of confidentiality and effectiveness as in-person meetings, using Zoom to facilitate open and productive discussions.

How do I prepare my employees for mediation?

Preparing employees for mediation involves informing them about the process, emphasizing its confidentiality, and encouraging openness to dialogue. It's important to reassure them that the goal is collaborative resolution, not assigning blame. The Resolution Group provides guidance and resources to help teams approach mediation with clarity and readiness.

What can managers expect from the mediation process?

Managers can expect a structured process that facilitates open communication between team members and offers them the opportunity to work collaboratively to resolve issues. Any solutions or agreements will be developed by the participants. The mediator ensures that managers are provided an update at the end of the mediation services, while maintaining the confidentiality of the discussions.

What happens if mediation doesn’t resolve the conflict?

If mediation doesn't lead to a resolution, it can still provide the participants with valuable insight into the issues and the perspectives of those involved. The Resolution Group will work with the manager to explore other options to support resolution. These may include coaching, training and/or finding ways to support a more formal HR process.

Can mediation help with harassment or bullying complaints?

Mediation can be appropriate for addressing certain harassment or bullying complaints, particularly when both parties are willing to engage in the process. However, it's crucial to assess the severity and nature of the allegations. The Resolution Group evaluates each situation carefully to determine if mediation is suitable or if alternative interventions are necessary.

What industries can benefit from mediation services?

Almost every industry! Mediation services are beneficial across various industries, including healthcare, construction, education, hospitality and professional associations. When an organization is experiencing interpersonal conflicts, communication breakdowns, or team dysfunctions, mediation can be an effective approach to enhance collaboration and productivity. The Resolution Group tailors its services to meet the unique needs of diverse sectors.

How much does workplace mediation cost?

The cost of workplace mediation varies based on factors such as the number of participants and the complexity of the issues. The Resolution Group offers competitive pricing and customizable packages to suit different organizational needs. For a detailed quote, please contact us directly to discuss your specific requirements.

What’s included in your workplace mediation package?

Our workplace mediation package includes initial consultations, individual pre-mediation meetings, facilitated joint sessions, and follow-up sessions or support as needed. The Resolution Group ensures a comprehensive approach, guiding teams through each step to achieve effective and lasting resolutions.

Can you customize mediation for specific teams or departments?

Absolutely. The Resolution Group specializes in tailoring mediation processes to address the unique dynamics and challenges of specific teams or departments. We work closely with organizations to understand their context and design interventions that resonate with their culture and objectives.

What qualifications should I look for in a workplace mediator?

When selecting a workplace mediator, it is important to inquire as to what formal (and recognized) mediation training they have completed, their experience with workplace mediation, their professionalism and adherence to a code of conduct and a code of ethics. Our chartered mediators are both highly qualified and have extensive expertise in facilitating constructive and confidential resolutions. For more information on how to choose a mediator, please take some time to review this article: How to Choose a Mediator - The Resolution Group.

How do I book a workplace mediation session with your team?

Please click our ‘contact us’ button and fill out the contact form. Alternatively, you can reach us directly by phone or email. Our team will promptly respond to discuss your needs and schedule a suitable time for the mediation process.