MEDIATION

Released 02/07/2008

Techniques to resolve workplace dispute

Employers need to use mediation techniques more to help resolve workplace conflict, according to a new report.

The report, Workplace mediation: how employers do it, claims that almost 60 per cent of organisations have never used mediation to settle disputes.

In terms of the success of these mediation techniques, 80 per cent of employers that use them claim that it improves relationships between employees.

A further 71 per cent believe that it reduces the stress associated with using formal disciplinary procedures.

Mediation is highlighted as helping to prevent the breakdown in working relationships, tackling workplace bullying and addressing discrimination.

Mike Emmott, CIPD employee relations adviser, said: "More employers should invest in conflict management training to give line managers the informal mediation skills to allow them to step in and attempt to resolve disputes before they escalate."

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