Creating an Inclusive Workplace Mediation

Creating an Inclusive Workplace Mediation: The Importance of a Chemistry Session to Identify the Reasonable Adjustments for Clients with Disabilities

Workplace mediation is a highly recommended process for resolving conflicts, improving communication, and promoting a harmonious workplace. When mediating with clients who have disabilities, it is crucial to ensure that the process is accessible, respectful, and effective for everyone involved.

Drawing from my experiences working with clients who have disabilities, I highlight the  importance of conducting a chemistry session before the mediation process begins. This initial meeting helps ease anxiety for the participants and allows me to identify any necessary adjustments to be made, to ensure an inclusive and productive mediation.

The Role of the Chemistry Sessions

Chemistry sessions are preliminary meetings held between the mediator and the clients before the official mediation process begins. Not all mediators include this as part of the process however I feel these sessions are crucial for several reasons:

1. Building Trust and Rapport: Establishing a connection with clients helps to build trust and rapport, which is essential for open and honest communication during mediation.
2. Understanding Individual Needs: Each client’s needs and preferences can vary significantly. A chemistry session allows the mediator to understand these unique requirements and plan accordingly.
3. Reducing Anxiety: For clients with disabilities, the thought of mediation can be more daunting as they could potentially worry about the extra hurdles they have to encounter. A chemistry session provides an opportunity to address any concerns, explain the process, and alleviate anxiety.
4. Ensuring Accessibility: This session helps identify any specific adjustments that need to be made to ensure the mediation is accessible and comfortable for all parties.

Case Study 1: Mediating with a Profoundly Deaf Client

Chemistry Session

1. Communication Preferences: I usually conduct a chemistry session via zoom which straight away posed a challenge for a profoundly deaf client. And as much as we could communicate via email it is still not the same!

Although they had a cochlea implant and can lip read they indicated a preference for using a interpreter with them.

We arranged to meet so we could identify if I spoke clearly enough, so they felt confident enough to lip read from me. I also met with the interpreter to explain what their role would be so that the other party did not feel they were ‘being ganged up on’ with an extra person involved.

2. Visual. I have also created a VIDEO with subtitles explaining what mediation entails to help parties know what the process and what to expect.

Adjustments Made

1. Interpreter:  The client did bring an interpreter. They were there purely to advise if words used were not translatable and needed to be reworded. Ensure that no one covers their mouth with their hands and as a reassurance the client had someone to turn to if they didn’t understand they had someone to cross check with. It turned out as the process progressed the client felt comfortable enough not to have the interpreter there.

3. Environment: We mutually found a well-lit, quiet room to facilitate the meeting. Ensuring the seating was so that they could be positioned correctly to see everyones lips and the ear with ethe cochlear implant (the strongest listening ear) was next to the person they needed to hear the most.

4. Breaks: Lip reading is tiring. Planning in breaks was crucial to ensure they did not fatigue and set a maximum amount of time for the joint session and agreed if we were unable to conclude, we would have a further meeting at a later date.

Case Study 2: Mediating with a Client in a Wheelchair and regular administration of medication

Chemistry Session Insights

1. Accessibility Needs: During the chemistry session with a client who uses a wheelchair, we discussed the accessibility of the mediation venue. The client highlighted the importance of having accessible parking, ramps, and wide doorways.

2. Comfort Considerations: The client also mentioned the need for comfortable seating arrangements that allowed for easy manoeuvrability.

3. Timing: The client takes strong medication and at set times of the day. We explored  key times of the day they felt at their most alert and when their medication is administered.

Adjustments Made

1. Venue Selection: We chose a mediation venue that was fully accessible, with appropriate facilities such as ramps, wide doorways, and accessible restrooms.

2. Seating Arrangements: The seating was arranged to ensure the client could participate comfortably and equally, with sufficient space for their wheelchair.

3. Transportation Assistance: We provided a venue that was close to the public transport route they used frequently and close to the bus stop.

4. Timing: We arranged for the meeting to be held late morning and planned a set time that the meeting would be stopped, factoring in breaks. We also factored in a stoop time so they wouldn’t feel under pressure to get back as a nurse administers the medication.

5. Flexibility:  I ensured the client understood that they could pause the process at any point.

General Best Practices

1. Individual Needs Assessment: Conducting a pre-mediation assessment through chemistry sessions helps identify the specific needs of each client, ensuring that the mediation process is tailored to their requirements. Not all disabilities are visible so without these pre assessments key adjustments could be missed and already have you on the back foot.

2. Training and Awareness: Mediators should be trained in disability awareness, which helps create an inclusive environment and enhances the effectiveness of the mediation process. As a mediation trainer and assessor, I ensure it is included as part of our MEDIATION PROGRAMME

3. Flexibility: Be open and adaptable to making additional adjustments as needed. Each client’s needs will vary, and it is essential to accommodate these variations to ensure a fair and effective mediation.

4. Confidentiality: Maintain the confidentiality and privacy of clients when discussing their disabilities and required adjustments. Respect for their privacy fosters trust and cooperation.

Conclusion

Making reasonable adjustments in workplace mediation is essential to creating an inclusive and respectful environment where all individuals can participate fully and fairly.  Chemistry sessions play a crucial role in understanding and addressing the unique needs of clients with disabilities, reducing anxiety, and ensuring that the mediation process is accessible and effective.

Beginning in the best possible position, ensuring all clients feel respected by the mediator, sets a positive tone for the participants and helps create a conducive environment for working towards the best possible outcome.

This guide’s designed to help you understand more about mediating with parties with disabilities. If you have a conflict situation that might benefit from mediation, CALL ME today for a free 30-minute consultation. I offer pre-meetings with participants as standard. So you can have confidence that mediation will be successful.

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