Typical mediation time and agenda
✅ Ask Us: "What is the agenda and timing of workplace mediation?" submitted by Jeff Mackey, student, University of Virginia.
An excerpt from“Resolved!” ©️written by Thornton Mason.
“Mediation of a single workplace issue with a challenging history usually requires the better part of a day. The issue can be a single grievance, or multiple complaints surrounding the same concern.
Inter-linked, multiple issues can be undertaken simultaneously -- but take more time - perhaps a couple of days.
Rule of thumb: mediate unrelated, multiple issues separately.
Restarting stalled labor agreement negotiations requires varying amounts of time depending on complexity.
Regardless of the time needed, I recommend an agenda that includes::
Introductions, identify non-participants impacted
Overview of the mediation process, risks of failure
Define the issue, set discussion limits with a problem statement
Identify common goals, interests
Brainstorm and define options, review objections
Link options to common goals and interests
Develop a solution statement
Discuss the value of a written agreement or memo of intention
Review participant commitments, discuss the need for progress updates and conclude.
At any time all participants are free to ask for a break or a caucus. Meals are planned as needed.”
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