Unresolved conflict at work can be like an illness, spreading toxic feelings and emotions, and having a sustained emotional and psychological impact on employees.  They can feel undervalued, stuck, helpless, hurt and unable to change their situation - however it does not need to be that way – it can be changed.

 

Organisations that develop a stronger, more honest open and constructive culture, are better places to work.  They often tackle workplace conflict early, and creating an environment where employees are valued and feel supported, encouraged and more in control.  However, this often requires the support of a trained mediator.

 

Frequently mediation is considered too late, after formal processes have been followed and positions have become entrenched.  Mediation can still be helpful at this stage, but its success increases the closer to the original event(s) it is conducted, and ideally before rather than after formal process.

 

At Taylor Clarke, we can help you and your employees to tackle workplace conflict, and have the difficult conversations in a safe and supported space, and try to avoid more formal processes and the entrenched positions and bitterness than can result.  We have conducted successful mediations at all levels up to and including the most senior levels, and for individuals and groups.  Our mediators have worked on commercial, contractual and inter-personal issues.

 

Our approach is to apply mediation practices and principles through ‘coaching conversations’.  The conversations undertaken are confidential to the parties, and remain so after the event.

 

We use trained and accredited mediators to work with your employees to create a safe and supportive space for constructive and challenging conversations. Initially with each of those involved, and then facilitating conversations indirectly and then directly with other participants. We ensure that all participants are willing participants, and they come to joint meetings with a shared view of what might be possible.  

 

Resolution is the usual outcome, with an agreed position and next steps shared between parties. Mediation is more often a success than not:

• ACAS May 2021 - 5% of respondents took part in workplace mediation, of whom 74% reported resolution.

• The Strathclyde Mediation Clinic 2023 report - 68% were resolved or settled.

 

Why wouldn’t you try?

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If you would like to talk to one of our experts about mediation, please contact us here or email Anne Houston anne@taylorclarke.co.uk