Mediation Services

Talking about a problem is the first step in resolution. Facilitated discussion is a short-term intervention used to identify areas of misunderstanding and prevent disputes from occurring. It is useful when there is tension between individuals around different viewpoints. It is generally used for simple or short-term disputes, including issues related to processes, suitable duties or a return to work plan. 

Our facilitated discussions are run by an experienced mediator. It usually involves a pre-meeting with both parties to identify issues, confirm agreement to attend the discussion, and develop an agenda. The facilitated discussion then occurs as a flexible conversation. Both parties will have the chance to discuss options and sign an agreement, giving them a solution to move forward. Finally, a report will be provided by the mediator. 

Having an Altius Group conflict specialist facilitate discussions:

• Can support communication between the employee and employer in the case of injured employees, to help achieve a healthy and safe return to work. 
• Provides an objective third party who can help keep discussions constructive and positive to ensure the environment is a safe and supportive one.
• Ensures everyone is heard and a positive outcome is achieved.

Conflict resolution is a suite of interventions including conflict counselling, facilitation, mediation and coaching. 

To help resolve conflicts we provide a one-on-one service focussed upon empowering the participant to explore alternative ways in which to view the dispute. 

People in dispute sometimes have difficulty seeing the conflict outside of their perspective. By exploring different perspectives, participants can see options that they may not have previously explored and ways in which they can manage the conflict, their reactions, and potentially future interactions, more productively.

Altius Group Conflict Resolution Services:

• Are delivered by our conflict coaches, who are psychologists and allied health professionals who are also trained or experienced mediators.
• Assist organisations to resolve conflicts before they escalate into expensive problems.

Mediation is used to resolve ongoing disputes between parties. These tend to be entrenched and long-term disputes. Mediation is suitable after other avenues to address the issue, such as escalating to a line manager or HR, have not been successful. As well as managing colleague disputes, mediation is used in workers' compensation and return to work cases. 

Our registered psychologists and Allied Health team run the mediation sessions. Unlike facilitated discussions that use a more flexible approach, mediation follows a very structured process. Firstly, there is a pre-mediation session with each party to identify issues and barriers, challenge beliefs, and confirm agreement to the mediation session. The mediation session then takes 4-6 hours and will involve both individual and joint sessions. During this time, our mediators will explore issues to shift mindset, understand issues from both perspectives and explore options for agreement. The outcome is a documented agreement that can be shared with insurers.

Altius Group’s trained and skilled mediators:

• Empower individuals to have their grievances heard and guide them in resolving the problem. Conflict is best resolved when the people involved understand the issues, feel that their needs have been heard and are provided options to move forward. 
• Allow conflicts to be resolved in a safe and controlled environment, with a professional to guide the process.
• Are psychologists experienced in dealing with all forms of workplace conflict and disputes and facilitating a positive outcome for all involved.
• Have experience mediating disputes arising from misunderstandings through to a conflict between employees’ ways of working, personalities, culture, religious beliefs, and political views.