VA and non-VA facilitators and mediators are available to assist employees and managers in resolving workplace disputes. Trained facilitators use techniques to improve the flow of information in meetings, with groups in conflict, and with individuals in conflict. Mediators sit down with the individuals in conflict and assist them in discussing the employment relationship, some of the issues that have arisen which are underlying the dispute, and explore mutually acceptable ways to resolve those issues.
If an employee, manager, or organization is experiencing unproductive conflict and is interested in using facilitation or mediation to address the issue(s), the individual should contact their local ADR coordinator or the VA Workplace ADR Program. The ADR coordinator can provide information on available options, assist in identifying who should participate in the process, determine if the individuals involved in the dispute are willing to mediate, and if so, obtain the facilitator/mediator, schedule the session, and see the process through to completion.
