Workplace Conflict Mediation

Address the conflict. Support a workable way forward.

Workplace conflict can affect communication, trust, morale, and the ability to get work done. Sometimes the disagreement is clear. Other times, a series of misunderstandings, competing expectations, or unresolved concerns has made the relationship difficult to sustain.

Approved Dispute Resolution provides a neutral process for employees, managers, teams, and organizational leaders to address concerns and explore practical ways forward. Mediation can help participants clarify what happened, understand what matters to each person, and decide whether they can establish a more workable relationship.

[Discuss a Workplace Mediation]

Conflicts suited to mediation

• Employee-manager and coworker disagreements
• Communication breakdowns and team tensions
• Conflicts over responsibilities, expectations, and working relationships
• Leadership and organizational transition disputes
• Concerns involving respect, trust, or perceived unfair treatment
• Return-to-work and continuing employment relationship conflicts

Make room for a productive conversation

Participants often arrive with different accounts of the same events. We help them explain their concerns in a way others can hear, identify the interests behind their positions, and consider what would need to change for progress to occur.

The process can explore clearer expectations, communication practices, division of responsibilities, and specific commitments for future interactions. When appropriate, participants can also identify how they will review progress or address later concerns.

A process matched to the situation

Before mediation, we discuss the goals, participants, and scope of the process. Clear expectations about privacy, information sharing, decision-making authority, and follow-through help participants understand how the mediation will work.

Mediation supports dialogue and negotiated agreements. Where a matter raises investigative or organizational responsibilities, the process should be coordinated with the appropriate professionals and procedures.