Recognition and Understanding. When employees feel they are being heard and have the opportunity to hear and understand the other party’s point of view, the chance for an amicable resolution is heightened.

Self-Empowerment. The workplace is an environment in which employees feel they are normally being told what to do – mediation offers employees the opportunity to have input in the decision on how to resolve a situation.

Timeliness and Speed. Mediation can take place quickly and within a short period of time (often just a few hours). In contrast, a formal complaint filed with a regulatory agency or court can take years to resolve.

Cost Effective. Mediation is cost effective not only financially but also in human capital and time. Mediator fees are a fraction of the costs of the legal fees associated with a protracted conflict and litigation.

Confidential. Once a lawsuit is filed it becomes a matter of public record while mediations, by their very nature and contract, are confidential, regardless if a mediation takes place prior to or after a lawsuit has been filed. In California, communications during mediation are inadmissible and are confidential as defined under the Evidence Code.