WORKPLACE MEDIATION
Workplace mediation
to help people move forward
Independent support to help employees work through workplace conflict, rebuild communication and find practical ways forward.
Trusted by 1100+ organisations
WHEN CONFLICT ISN’T RESOLVING
Workplace conflict
getting in the way?
Communication has broken down
Conversations have become difficult or unproductive and the people involved are struggling to resolve the issue themselves.
Two employees are in conflict
Ongoing tension, personality clashes or unresolved issues are affecting the working relationship and the wider team.
The same issue keeps resurfacing
Previous conversations haven’t resolved the underlying problem and the conflict continues to come back.
The conflict is affecting the workplace
Tension between employees is beginning to affect communication, morale, teamwork or the way work gets done.
You need a neutral person involved
The situation needs someone independent to guide the conversation without taking sides or deciding who is right or wrong.
How we can help
A structured way
to work through conflict
Support 01
Understand the issues
We speak with the people involved to understand the concerns, history and outcomes they are hoping to achieve.
support 02
Prepare participants for mediation
We help each person understand the mediation process, what to expect and how to participate constructively.
Support 03
Facilitate the conversation
An independent mediator guides the discussion, helping participants explain their concerns, listen to each other and explore the issues underlying the conflict.
Support 04
Keep the discussion constructive
Tension between employees is beginning to affect communication, morale, teamwork or the way work gets done.
support 05
Explore possible solutions
The situation needs someone independent to guide the conversation without taking sides or deciding who is right or wrong.
Support 06
Clarify agreed next steps
Where agreement is reached, we help clarify the actions, expectations or commitments the participants have agreed to take forward.
Why HR Dynamics
HR Support that works around your workplace
We take a practical, down-to-earth approach and give you advice you can put into action.
Real people, not a call centre
One-off or ongoing support
Advice tailored to your situation
Australia-wide support
FAQ
Questions we get asked most
Still have a question?
Not sure what type of HR help you need? Give us a call and tell us what's happening. We'll talk you through your options and help you understand the best next step.
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What is workplace mediation?
Workplace mediation is a dispute-resolution process where an independent mediator helps the people involved discuss the issues and work toward their own agreement. The mediator does not take sides or decide who is right or wrong. Fair Work describes mediation as a process where an independent mediator helps parties reach their own agreed outcome.
When is workplace mediation appropriate?
Mediation can be useful where employees are experiencing ongoing conflict, communication problems, personality clashes or other workplace relationship issues and both parties are willing to try to resolve them. Fair Work notes that workplace disputes can arise from issues such as poor communication, unclear roles, unresolved past problems and personality clashes.
Is workplace mediation voluntary?
Generally, yes. Mediation usually requires the people involved to agree to participate, although an employment contract, enterprise agreement or workplace dispute procedure may contain specific requirements about how disputes must be handled.
Is workplace mediation confidential?
Mediation is generally conducted privately and participants are usually expected to keep the discussion confidential, subject to the agreed process and any legal or safety obligations. The specific confidentiality arrangements should be made clear before mediation begins.
What is the difference between mediation and a workplace investigation?
A workplace investigation is used to gather evidence and make findings about allegations or disputed facts. Mediation is different: its purpose is to help the people involved communicate, explore the conflict and work toward an agreed way forward. The mediator does not make findings about who is right or wrong.
Can mediation help with bullying or harassment complaints?
Sometimes, but not every complaint is suitable for mediation. Where there are serious allegations, significant power imbalances, safety concerns or disputed facts that need to be established, a formal investigation or another process may be more appropriate. Workplace conflict, bullying and harassment can also be psychosocial hazards that employers need to identify and manage.
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