With workplace conflict estimated to cost the UK £28.5 billion per year, mediation can be a critical tool for employers and employees to utilise to get their workplace back on track and manage strong emotions in the workplace.

Alongside opening up the conversation between staff, there are multiple benefits for mediation. These include:

• Reduced likelihood of legal action being initiated
• Saving time, money, and energy
• Developing communication skills for staff
• Increasing productivity
• Reducing stress
• Reducing staff turnover
• Creating a better work environment
• Allowing staff to express concerns in a safe space
• Avoiding escalation
• Facilitating difficult conversations
• Rebuilding and reestablishing the workplace

Mediation can have numerous benefits both short and long term for individuals and businesses. The commitment to mediation can boost a healthy workplace culture and help avoid spiralling conflicts in workplaces.

Many businesses would benefit from evaluating their HR policies and procedures to add their commitment to this valuable tool for employee management. Conflict resolution, employee relations, and workplace mediation should be integral components of any comprehensive HR strategy.

This Monday’s takeaways to remember are:

1. Conflict is costly
2. Mediation can encourage confidence in the business
3. Conflict is difficult, but solutions can sometimes be simple

If you need advice on managing conflict in the workplace, please do contact us on 0333 888 1360 or complete our enquiry form.