Mediation is a confidential, practical and extremely effective way to address conflict. It can be more or less formal, depending on the seriousness of the dispute. In situations where there is an unaddressed conflict in the workplace, the mediator can help to create a safe place for honest conversation, and help to ensure that the original incident and underlying needs are fully addressed. In situations where there are accusations, formal processes, or pending litigation, mediation provides a confidential “time out” to encourage early settlement and avoid the astronomical costs of litigation and define settlements that end the dispute. Mediation can often help avoid the typical cost of litigation which ranges from $10,000 to several hundred thousand dollars, plus the cost of any settlement.

Mediation can address issues in a timely manner before exponential damage is caused by the growth of conflict (see representation below), which tends to involve more and more people, time, resources, and emotional energy the longer it continues. The rule: the earlier you successfully intervene, the less costly it is.