Many mediation cases involve allegations of bullying, harassment or discrimination. Mediation allows these issues to be aired in a safe environment, enabling individuals to “deal with the elephant in the room”.
This case involved two employees whose relationship had completely broken down. One of the employees concerned was gay. Another employee had subjected him to homophobic abuse. He had raised a formal grievance following which the perpetrator was dismissed. The mediation was with another colleague who it was alleged had been a bystander and who was now ostracising the gay employee.
The mediation session allowed both employees to air their concerns. The “bystander” felt aggrieved that the grievance had lead to the dismissal of a close friend with considerable impact on his family. The other employee was able to express clearly the impact that the abuse had had on him personally and in a way that lead to real learning and a better understanding between them.
