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Mediation Services

Conflict is not always negative – it can be an opportunity. A degree of tension or conflict in a workplace can be the catalyst for change.

However, workplace conflict can also be costly and destructive to working relationships if it is not dealt with in a positive and proactive manner. It can result in stress, reduced productivity and increased staff turnover.

Differences which are managed in a responsible way, with effective communication and respect, can lead to positive outcomes.

While conflict is an inevitable part of life, dealing with it can be a time-consuming distraction from the pressing regular tasks of management.

Facilitation of an effective conflict management process can provide the opportunity to create unique solutions.

ACCESS Programs provides mediation services to many organisations who understand the value of using a neutral person to assist in the resolution of problematic issues. A skilled external third party can empower all involved parties and facilitate lasting resolution of issues.

The ACCESS Programs mediation process will align with your organisation’s policies and may include some of the following elements:

- Scoping the problem through analysis of all perspectives
- Assessment of key issues
- Information re potential options for resolution
- Education re the conflict curve
- Skills development in communication for understanding
- Coaching to build trust
- Group work to build understanding
- Mediation to develop mutually agreed outcomes
- Negotiation of mutually agreed outcomes
- Support and advice to management

ACCESS Programs employs a number of accredited mediators who will assist in the clarification of any issues causing conflict, and development of appropriate and effective resolutions.

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Coping Strategies

Coping strategies
- Talk to colleagues, friends and family about the event and your feelings.
- Allow yourself time to rest and wind down.
- Return to your normal activities, even if at first you are not motivated.
- Exercise to help your system return to normal.
- Do whatever helps you to feel that you are back in control of your life. Even making small decisions or following a normal routine will help.
- Seek counselling if you are at all concerned about your reactions. It often helps to talk to someone who is outside the situation.

Things to avoid
- Refusing help from people around you. You may need additional support at this time.
- Getting frustrated with yourself or having unrealistic expectations about how long it will take to feel normal again.
- Making big decisions until you have had time to regain your perspective.
- Drinking alcohol to excess or taking drugs to help you cope with your symptoms. This can create more problems.

For family and friends
- Listen carefully when the person wants to talk (they may need to talk about it a number of times to help them come to terms with the event).
- Reassure them that they are safe.
- Be patient over the next few weeks. If the person is acting differently, try not to take this personally - it may be a -symptom of the trauma.
- Take care of yourself. Sometimes even hearing about traumatic events can cause concern or strong reactions.
- Let them know that you are sorry the incident happened and you want to understand and support them.
- Give practical help as well - with household jobs, child-minding, transport, etc.
- Don't push the person to talk - sometimes just spending time with them is enough.
- Don't say "You're lucky, it could have been worse". This rarely consoles traumatised people.