Can the time be abridged for a mediation/facilitated discussion?
Some workplace conflicts have lasted weeks, months or even years before they come to us. It is not reasonable to expect resolution of such conflicts in less than 8 hours.
If immediate and short term relief is required, a one hour session with one of our EAP consultants can assist the employee to debrief their conflict experience and to prepare for sessions with the mediator/facilitator.
Contact us on 1 300 OUR EAP. Alternatively contact our conflict assist team at
crs@convergeintl.com.au for rapid short term support for conflict situations.
What if one or more of the participants have health issues?
We screen all cases for potential risks including the mental and physical health of participants. If medical issues are present, we seek more detailed information to assess the relative safety of proceeding with conflict resolution services and to decide on the most appropriate steps forward. In some cases, we request the participant to provide consent from their treating medical practitioner before they participate in the process. The mediator/facilitator will establish ground rules for the discussions in order to accommodate any special needs of the participants.
Can a participant bring a support person?
Yes, a participant can bring a support person into the process. The support person is often a friend, family member or union representative. It is preferable that the support person is not a work colleague. The support person does not have an advocacy role in the mediation/facilitated discussion and may not provide their personal views or interrupt the process. The support person must sign a confidentiality agreement and is subject to the same rules regarding confidentiality as the participants. The support person is there to provide support to the participant on the day and may have a slightly more active role in the private sessions.
Can the mediator/facilitator provide recommendations or advice?
The mediator/facilitator is not able to provide advice or recommendations to a client. Their role is to support a constructive conversation between the participants. They may provide recommendations regarding suitable conflict interventions for a presenting situation.
What information is available about the mediation?
We recognise that you need information about the services you have contracted to receive. We will collaborate with you to ensure your information needs are met, so far as the national practice standards allow.
The national standards for mediators prevent discussion of any statements (verbal or written) made during the mediation or facilitated discussion process with anyone else unless the written consent of the participants has been obtained.
We can provide you with administrative information about whether the mediation/facilitated discussion proceeded and whether or not a resolution was reached. We can also provide information on who attended the mediation, the dates of preliminary sessions and joint sessions, a high level description of the matter under discussion and any agreed outcomes the parties have consented to share (and to whom).
How much do conflict resolution services cost?
Please contact us for information on the cost of conflict resolution services. Converge International clients can access a range of services including EAP as well as conflict resolution services. Even if you are not an existing client of Converge International, you are very welcome to access any of our services. Contact us to discuss the pricing options.