Case studies: Workplace Disputes
Long-term problems and
a rapid resolution
An employee had taken out a grievance against her manager claiming long-term
bullying. The manager felt intimidated by the employee’s behaviour. The
two parties were unable to work together in the same office and both
had lengthy sickness absences. Despite support from the company’s HR
department and use of the grievance procedures, the issues remained unresolved.
mediate first were invited to assist. We arranged a
one-day mediation session that brought together the employee and her
manager. The issues were discussed in detail and both parties acknowledged
that they shared some responsibility for the problems – and for their
resolution. A package was agreed that included new ways of working, external
support for the manager and a three-month review.
Mending the past, building for the future
Over a long period of time, a particular employee had fallen out with
all the other members of his team. Despite the line manager’s repeated
attempts to resolve the problem, the employee was repeatedly absent from
work and the team refused to consider alternative working arrangements.
The team was barely functioning. Their morale was at rock-bottom and
productivity was severely affected.
mediate first set up a mediation meeting involving
two mediators, the employee, the team members, line manager and HR manager.
During the mediation all aspects of the dispute were explored, strengths
and weaknesses identified and alternative operational solutions proposed.
In just one day, a universally acceptable solution was agreed and actioned,
and the individuals and the company was able to put its problems in the
past and move on, with efficiency and productivity restored.
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