Alternative Dispute Resolution Consortium

Info for Agency Heads

Agency Heads say this about Mediation:

• Productivity is increased.
• Most workplace disputes are resolved in a few weeks, with a maximum of one day's time spent by each party.
• In contrast, we have had EEO Complaints that took years to resolve and cost hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars of staff time.
• After mediated resolutions, we have fewer repeat disputes between the same parties.
• Mediations through the ADR Consortium are free.
• My agency pays only local mileage and parking costs.
• The agency lending the mediator pays its own employee's salary.
• Relationships and morale improve.
• The parties informally discuss the issues and may vent their frustrations.
• No one is forced to agree to anything: if the mediation doesn't result in agreement, the parties pursue their usual options."
• The parties maintain control of the process.
• Mediators try to satisfy both parties' interests.
• No outside party, like a judge, imposes an outcome.
• There is no loser, as in court.
• The mediators are impartial and preserve confidentiality.
Because ADR Consortium mediators come from another agency, both parties feel more comfortable.
• The parties do not know and will probably never again see the ADR Consortium mediators after the mediation."