Mediation at work is an amicable intervention that resolves a conflict situation in the first place in order to avoid heavier procedures for the company as well as for the employee.

It is a conciliation that aims to ease tension and resolve a problem before it escalates.

It is an open dialogue that must take place in respect, authenticity and calm. So how does mediation work? We explain to you.

Mediation as a solution in the event of a conflict at work?

Yes, Mediation offers a great solution for resolving workplace disputes. Businesses can find themselves confronted with these types of situations.

A tense climate, the disengagement of an employee due to dissatisfaction, reproaches, a break in dialogue with an employee, these are all common situations in the world of work.

However, as we know, these situations can lead to labour trials or lead to resignations, repeated work stoppages, not to mention the bad atmosphere at work.

In short, negative consequences for the company and the employee.

When dialogue is no longer possible or is too difficult, opting for mediation can help break the deadlock.

However, businesses do not always choose this constructive and amicable solution.

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How does mediation take place in business?

Mediation is an amicable dialogue initiated voluntarily by one of the parties and accepted by the other party. It is a confidential conciliation orchestrated by a mediator.

The person who coordinates mediation must be trained in this or have a coherent background to perform this function when necessary. (former HR director, retired judge, etc.).

There are also mediation centers where you will find authorized mediators.

Using mediation: 3 key steps

1. The company or the employee requests mediation.

The other party is free to accept or refuse.

2. If the mediation is accepted by both parties, then the procedure can begin.

First, both parties will prepare for the first mediation meeting separately.

This preparation is important because it allows the mediation to be framed and the stakeholders can carry out their reflections.

The mediator acts as the link between the two at an early stage. It collects the grievances of both parties, as well as their expectations. This will serve as a support to guide the mediation.

3. Then comes the first mediation, which lasts about 3 hours.

If at the end of the meeting, common ground has been found and both parties are at peace, then there is no need to schedule another one.

How does the mediation interview take place?

During the face-to-face session, the mediator asks open questions. He asks each party to express their feelings and to tell what happened. His role in listening gradually establishes a peaceful climate.

Then, the mediator starts working to end the conflict by establishing a dialogue around the reasons that led to this situation.

Both parties need to speak out about what affects them.

There, the mediator must be in a position to identify the nature of the conflict in order to guide the mediation and allow the emergence of a solution.

Both parties are invited to express their wishes and the mediator makes proposals for a compromise to be found.

If the mediation has worked, then the mediator writes down the agreement that has been reached and the commitments to which each party agrees.

Mediation is a way of resolving conflicts without having to launch legal proceedings.

How do I call on a mediator?

As you have understood, mediation is an alternative solution to legal procedures in the event of a conflict.

The company's human resources manager can provide employees with information on this subject.

Very often, mediation makes it possible to bring peace and to find solutions that suit both the company and the employee.

It can resolve different types of conflicts and bring back a better quality of life at work.

But you should know that it is possible to avoid the establishment of a conflict in your company by training your managers in conflict management.

Discover our article on different types of leadership

Whether it is to avoid the escalation of a situation or simply to maintain a good working environment in teams, conflict management skills are a major asset.

That is why Visconti has set up a tailor-made coaching offer to prepare you to manage conflicts well and to prevent them.

Find now more information about our corporate coaching with certified coaches.