Frequently Asked Questions

A. Mediation is a problem solving and decision making process, where a neutral professional (the Mediator), assists the parties in conflict to discuss and make agreements that allows everyone to move forward. The aim is to come to a resolution that which meet the needs of all the parties involved. The number of participants who are involved in the mediation process can range from two people to a larger group.

The Mediation process will normally commence with a one-to-one preliminary discussion with each party, after which each party can then prepare for the joint discussion that will be facilitated by the mediator. 

A. The issue of confidentiality is discussed and agreed on prior to commencing any of Life Mediations processes. In some situations, a representative from HR or a senior manager may be provided with general information indicating that the mediation process has taken place plus the agreements that are reached might be shared.  Whatever the case may be, the sharing of information will be transparent and made known and agreed upon by all participants in advance of any substantive discussions.

A. The role of the Mediator  is to support and guide the parties through a process of having their perspectives heard and understood by the other parties involved, to generate options to resolve the issues, and facilitate discussion to see if the parties involved can reach agreements to be able to move forward which satisfy the needs of each party.

Mediators from Life Meditation do not:

• Take sides or give their personal opinion on the situations causing the conflict
• Provide legal advice 
• Make decisions for the parties or impose solutions.

A. In every conflict situation there are risks to the business as well as hidden costs involved. There is the time spend dealing with conflict instead of working and a loss of productivity in the workplace. There is also the potential risk for mental health issues to arise such as anxiety and depression. 

Unresolved conflict often results in:

• Damaged relationships leading to poor decision making and teamwork
• Low morale/ productivity
• Low staff morale leads to reduced customer satisfaction
• Higher turnover of staff
• Absenteeism
• Costly claims and possibly litigation

Organisations are also subject to employment laws meaning that they have a duty of care to effectively manage conflict in the workplace where it may be impacting people or performance. Pretending the issue doesn’t exist will not make it go away. More than likely it will become more entrenched, harmful to the individuals involved and, more often than not, detrimental to those who witness it take place.

A. Introducing a skilled mediator to help facilitate the dialogue between parties in conflict  has been shown to greatly assist the parties themselves to understand their own needs, the other party’s needs, and to have a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. The Mediator will encourage each party to think about what opportunities they personally have to resolve the issues at hand and how they can make changes to the situation. Importantly, these processes allow the parties the freedom to make their own decisions about a particular issue as opposed to having decisions imposed by others. There is space for productive conversations to take place and for people to reach agreements they can both live with.  In the mediation process people have the opportunity to be heard which makes a big difference.

The benefit of a mediation process for employers is that the issues can be addressed quickly, in a confidential setting. Mediation is cost effective, in comparison to potential lengthy and expensive legal action.

A. We provide training and coaching to individuals who are experiencing challenges within their own working relationships, and also to supervisors, managers, executives and HR professionals who are tasked with managing a team that is experiencing conflict and have poor communication.

Our programs ensure that participants come away with practical tools and strategies that they can use straight away in the workplace. Click HERE to find out more about the training and workshops we offer. Please contact us to discuss how we can assist you  or complete our online application form and we will contact you to work out the best way forward for your workplace.