Workplace Disputes

The work place can be an extremely stressful and difficult environment for both employers and employees. The workplace brings together different beliefs, values, goals and indeed life experiences. All of these have the potential to contribute to differences of opinions which can turn into misunderstandings and which can ultimately result in series dispute and conflict. While many problems in the workplace can be resolved between the parties themselves very often they can spiral out of control and result in huge difficulties both for the parties themselves and for the employer.

How does conflict manifest itself?

• Very often it does so in the form of tension or disputes within groups that end up not being able to function effectively or indeed it can break out between individuals who find it much more difficult to relate to each other in an effective and productive fashion.

How can mediation help?

• Mediation involves a structured and independent approach. The independence of the Mediator is very often important as the parties may feel more difficult relating their difficulties to the Mediator than to the HR or other internal member of staff who is known to them.
• The skill of the Mediator is to tease out what the cause of the misunderstanding or tension is, to address this and to try and assist the parties in working out a solution as to how they can work together in the future.
• If the problem is between the employer and the employee it is very often difficult for this to be resolved internally. This is where mediation can be particularly helpful in assisting in this process.
• Unresolved issues which are not dealt with by the employer can very often escalate and end up in costly litigation cases. Mediation can help to deal with the issue in a manner which preserves the self respect all parties and assists them in having a more enjoyable and meaningful experience in the workplace.
• For further information please contact Brendan Dillon on 01-2960666 or brendandillon@dillon.ie.

If you require advice in relation to any of the services listed above or if you wish to receive copies of our client newsletters and / or our business ezines please contact us on 01-2960666 or at info@dillon.ie.