Workplace conflicts
Misunderstandings between
employees?
Unresolved issues
with your supervisor?
Do you dread working with an individual
because you have an unresolved conflict? Does your stomach tighten at the
mere thought of a nagging issue? Are these misunderstandings getting in the
way of doing your job?
Grinning and bearing it is not the only alternative to filing a grievance or
making an EEO complaint about a workplace problem. Mediation may be a tool
you can use to solve these problems and get your energies focused back on
the job at hand.
Mediation can help employees solve workplace conflicts quickly and
confidentially- without going through a lengthy administrative or legal
process.
What is mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary, informal process used to solve disputes. In
mediation, a neutral third person helps people in dispute work throughout
their problem to reach a solution all can agree on. Mediators can help
people clarify their expectations and reach agreement on a disputed issue.
Who makes the
decisions in a mediation?
Mediators don't make decisions or impose settlements - the people involved
use the mediator's help to craft their own solutions. Mediators can help
both sides communicate more clearly and openly. Mediators do set and
enforce ground rules and can help people develop new options to solving
problems.
|
Is mediation right for
your problem?
Mediation is useful when both sides are willing to accept a negotiated
agreement. It generally works best early in a dispute. Try mediation when:
- there is more than one
possible answer
- tensions and emotions are
running high
- communication has broken
down
- you want the dispute
settled quickly
- you want to or need to
maintain relationships with the other side
- the issues are complex
- you need to resolve
multiple issues
Can bargaining unit
employees use mediation?
Bargaining unit members should contact their union steward to see if
mediation is an option. In many cases, unions consider mediation to be an
acceptable means of resolving disputes.
How do I go about
setting up a mediation session?
If you think mediation can help you solve a dispute, contact your agency's
ADR Coordinator listed on the left. Staff will answer your questions about
this process and other routes you can use to solve workplace problems.
Will a co-worker from
my agency mediate my dispute?
Mediators work through an interagency group that is part of the Denver
Federal Executive Board. Or mediators usually work on cases for other
agencies.
For more
information about mediation services or to schedule a mediation, contact the
Denver Federal Executive Board @ (303) 676-7009. |
