Case
example:
Using mediation to facilitate a temporary
redeployment after a long absence from work due to ill
health.
Alistair was returning to work in a transport company
after a period of mental ill health. His GP and specialist both
agreed that Alistair could return to work, providing his duties
were light and office based for the first month or so. But the
culture in which he worked was very target driven, and the team
bonus depended on everyone completing his or her targets. Alistair
was concerned that his team mates would make fun of him if he
did not return to his old driving job, and so he wanted reassurances
from management about other tasks that he could do that would
allow him to be seen as part of the team once more.
His manager, Darren, was keen for Alistair
to return and did have some light driving duties planned, but
that would exclude him from the team bonus scheme as these
jobs relate to another contract. Darren was sensitive to the
fact that this vacancy was in a part of the company in which
many women worked, Alistair would be part of a much more female
workforce than he was used to. Darren had problems discussing
this concern with Alistair’s union representative because Alistair had refused to consider any option other than a return to his old job part-time. In Darren’s
view, this was not a viable proposal because of the journey
times involved, which would be impossible for Alistair to manage.
The mediation involved Alistair and his union
representative; Darren, the manager of Alistair’s old team; and the manager Alistair would work with on a temporary basis if that were agreed to. Much of the mediation was spent in discussing the different options and how to manage Alistair’s
health needs and his sensitivity about his colleagues.
Outcome: When Alistair realised that Darren understood these feelings and that everything would be done to ensure his return to his old role as soon as his manager, and he, felt confident that he had recovered, then he felt able to consider the alternative suggestion. Arrangements were made to cover an induction period in the new team and an agreement was made that Alistair would join his old team for their monthly team meetings during the period of his temporary redeployment.
Alistair and his manager agreed how they would assess his progress and what indicators they would use to decide when he should return to his old role.
Sample Feedback: ‘I was quite impressed with the mediation session and it was quite an eye-opener for me. I think the way things were analysed and feedback to us by the mediator was very thorough. I would not hesitate to recommend this approach to others experiencing difficulties in the workplace. I feel it is very important to stop and do a check on how things are going and if a situation has broken down a mediation session such as this can be extremely valuable’.
