It is a fact of life that many of us spend more time with our work colleagues than we do with many of our family and relatives. Our working environment is therefore important to us and having good relationships with those around us creates a happier place to work which has a positive impact upon business.
The cost of recruitment and training also offers an incentive to an employer to retain staff and support personnel in resolving their differences. The ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance procedures recommend mediation as an alternative way of pursuing complaints.
Mediation can make a difference. Whilst many companies choose mediation when resolving disputes between employer and employee, it is also a valuable means of resolving disagreements within management structures and teams. This can be shown to improve staff loyalty and retention. It is also beneficial when bringing teams together, identifying common goals and objectives and reaching agreed implementation plans. It offers the opportunity of repairing relationships and ensuring that the work environment is a happier place for all concerned.
For information on whether your workplace dispute is suitable for mediation, please contact me for further information.