What is mediation?
Unfortunately, conflicts at work (between an employee and a manager, for instance) are a common occurrence. And such conflicts have a negative impact on the well-being and performance of those involved. Sometimes people are able to resolve a conflict themselves, but on occasion, that proves impossible. In such cases, mediation can help. A mediator is an independent intermediary who works with those involved to find a suitable solution acceptable to all parties.
Mediation instead of a lawyer
In practice, people sometimes find it difficult to resolve a conflict between themselves. Often, those involved no longer really want to listen to each other. One option is to go to court, and while a court judge will make a final decision, often neither party will be satisfied with it. Mediation is a less drastic option. During mediation, the parties involved work towards a solution themselves and receive expert help from a mediator as they do so. Mediation is a fast, clear-cut and solution-oriented process.
What does a mediator do?
Mediators specialise in facilitating negotiations. They don’t pass judgement and instead help the parties involved to gain a proper and realistic understanding of their own positions, legal and otherwise. The independence of the mediator is important and both parties need to have confidence in them so that there is support on both sides for the efforts made to resolve the matter. By their very nature, civil-law notaries are extremely well suited to the role of mediator.
Agreements for mediation set out in writing
Participation in mediation is voluntary, but the parties involved must commit themselves to it. They have to want to work together on a solution. Everyone involved is obliged to keep the details of the negotiations confidential. To ensure clarity, the agreements are recorded in a written document.
A conflict at work? Stop it from getting out of hand. Schäfer Notarissen – we’re here for you.
