Nowadays, more companies are taking advantage of the benefits of mediation as a method to settle employment issues. Employers can resolve employment conflicts with more control and less time and costs than if they were to face the issues in court. Additionally, this method establishes a more peaceful employer-employee relationship, since it allows parties to negotiate until the terms are acceptable to both sides.
What employment issues can be the subject of mediation?
Fortunately, mediation covers a wide range of employment disputes. This includes issues involving wage and hour conflicts, disability accommodations, contract violations, claims of wrongful termination, sexual harassment, discrimination and severance terms. As long as both parties are open to communicating, negotiating and settling, they can mediate most employment issues.
How does it benefit the company?
Mediation offers several appealing benefits to employers facing employment disputes. Some of the most promising advantages of this method are the following:
- Duration and costs: Since the mediation process is generally quicker, it can be less expensive due to the shortened duration.
- Business operations: Disputes in court may take up a company’s time and affect the business operations and management. With mediation, the parties can agree on a time that would not impede business operations.
- Risk management: An employment case in court is not really the best for a company’s reputation. Mediation allows for a more private settlement between parties.
- Outcome control: Unlike litigation wherein the judge or jurors make the final decision, mediation allows employers to negotiate and settle on terms that are predictably beneficial to them.
Mediation: A conflict management tool
Disputes between employers and employees do not have to end badly. Mediation allows employers to manage grievances and similar conflicts while avoiding lawsuits and a tarnished reputation. Understanding the process and its potential consequences can guide an employer in determining whether it is the most suitable option for them.
