Deciding to use mediation can mean that you avoid a more stressful situation if the case were to go to court. The solution always remains within your control when you use mediation.
Mediation helps to find resolutions to problems with minimum conflict. There is no judgement at the end of a mediation like there would be in arbitration or a court setting. As a result there is no winner or loser and so there is less of a chance of ill feeling or long term damage to a relationship. In mediation we understand what has happened but crucially we look to the future to work out how to move forwards.
Mediation usually takes place in a neutral environment. This helps to keep the conversation balanced towards co-operation and shared resolution. This shared outcome is usually essential when the participants are still going to be in regular contact after the mediation.
Mediation can often happen quite quickly as it is not scheduled around the availability of courts or judges. This means that people are able to work together to work on problems before time allows them to become bigger issues.
The cost of mediation is usually significantly less than going to court and the costs are shared between participants, or in most workplace cases they can be paid entirely by the organisation.
Your mediator is impartial and the discussions that you have will be confidential and without prejudice . In this respect you avoid anyone other than the participants involved knowing anything about your case, work or business.
Mediation is entirely voluntary and your mediator will always respect your wishes. You can be on your own, accompanied by your solicitor, insurer, relative or friend, whoever is helpful to you.