The Pitfalls of In-House Mediations: Why Professional Mediation Matters.

We of course know first hand the benefits of professional mediation and the long-term changes it brings.

While in-house mediation might seem like a convenient, cost-effective option, it can come with a range of pitfalls that undermine the process.

Here’s a look at why relying on in-house mediation might not always be the best choice for conflict resolution.

1. Lack of Objectivity

One of the core principles of successful mediation is neutrality. In-house mediators, may unintentionally bring biases to the table. Whether it's an emotional attachment to a colleague or a personal interest in the outcome, these biases interfere with the process and lead to an outcome that is perceived as unfair or one-sided.

For example, a senior manager is asked to mediate a conflict between two employees in their department. One of those employees is a personal friend, therefore the manager may unconsciously lean toward that person’s viewpoint or may even have difficulty addressing the friend’s mistakes. This would result in a resolution that doesn’t truly address the concerns of both parties, leaving one feeling unheard or side-lined leaving the conflict to escalate.

In contrast, professional mediators come with a wealth of experience in handling delicate situations and can maintain a neutral stance, ensuring the process is fair to all parties. Allowing for open and honest conversations that get to the heart of the real issues.

2. Limited Expertise

While internal teams may have a good understanding of the conflict and the business, they often lack the specific expertise and training that a professional mediator brings to the table.

For instance, consider a scenario where a team has been embroiled in a long-standing disagreement, causing ongoing tension and poor collaboration. An in-house mediator without experience in handling deep-rooted interpersonal conflicts might only address surface-level issues, leaving the fundamental problems unresolved. This would result in further escalation of the conflict.

Professional mediators can identify the deeper causes of the conflict and use proven techniques to help the parties understand each other’s perspectives, facilitating a more comprehensive and effective resolution.

3. Risk of Power Imbalances

Employees may feel uncomfortable expressing themselves honestly when a manager or colleague is acting as the mediator, as the dynamics can be heavily influenced by office hierarchies. This discomfort can lead to a lack of open dialogue and hinder the mediation process.

Professional mediators create a safe and neutral environment where all parties are encouraged to share their perspectives freely without fear of reprisal. They ensure that each party has an equal voice and office dynamics are kept separate.

4. Confidentiality Concerns

Confidentiality is critical in any mediation process. With in-house mediation, employees may worry that their statements could be leaked or used against them in future workplace interactions. This lack of trust can hinder the willingness of individuals to engage in a meaningful discussion.

When using professional, external mediators confidentiality is guaranteed. Ensuring that all parties feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues without concern that the information will be used outside of the mediation process.

5. Strain on Workplace Relationships

In-house mediation often involves people who have pre-existing relationships, whether personal or professional. This can add a layer of complexity, as individuals may struggle to separate their past interactions from the issue at hand. Furthermore, if the mediation process is unsuccessful, it could cause additional lasting damage to these relationships, leading to more conflict.

6. Potential for Unresolved Issues

In-house mediators are not always be equipped to handle deeply entrenched or complex conflicts. Without the appropriate resources, training, or experience, they can inadvertently leave issues unresolved or only partially addressed. This can lead to the conflict resurfacing later on, potentially with even greater intensity.

Professional mediators are fully experienced and trained to resolve complicated disputes and ensuring that all angles are thoroughly explored, resulting in durable solutions. They focus on identifying the root causes of conflicts and creating strategies for long-term resolution.

7. Lack of Follow-Up and Support

An essential part of successful mediation is ensuring that the agreed-upon solutions are implemented and that progress is monitored. In-house mediators may lack the capacity or experience to effectively monitor these agreements, leading to failure and further escalation.

Professional mediators provide structured follow-up to ensure that there is a support plan in place ensuring that both sides are supported throughout the process and that any emerging issues are addressed before they escalate.

Conclusion

While in-house mediation can seem like an appealing, budget-friendly, quick fix, the risks often far outweigh the benefits.

The neutrality, expertise, and specialised support offered by professional mediators ensures that disputes are resolved effectively and fairly.

At Ballantyne and Bailey Mediation Services, we’re committed to helping organisations create lasting solutions that improve workplace harmony and productivity. If you’re facing a difficult dispute, contact us for advice.