In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria Arpa MBE welcomes back her husband, David Ellis, a seasoned mediator with over 20 years of experience. They delve into the intricacies of workplace mediation, exploring how it transcends mere conflict resolution to foster genuine human connections. David emphasises the importance of creating a safe space for individuals to reflect on their experiences and emotions, allowing them to navigate their relationships more effectively. The conversation touches on the evolving landscape of employment law and the necessity for employers to prioritise the well-being of their employees, highlighting that a compassionate approach can lead to a more engaged and productive workforce. Through their discussion, Maria and David advocate for a shift in workplace culture, encouraging leaders to embrace empathy and understanding as fundamental components of a thriving business environment.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Holistic Understanding of Employees: It's essential to recognize that employees are whole human beings with diverse roles and experiences outside of work. Acknowledging their personal lives can lead to better workplace relationships and understanding.
Importance of Safe Spaces: Mediation provides a unique opportunity for individuals to express their feelings and concerns in a safe environment, allowing for reflection and open dialogue without fear of repercussions.
Proactive Approach to Workplace Issues: Employers should not wait for conflicts or grievances to arise before addressing employee well-being. A proactive approach that fosters open communication can prevent issues from escalating and create a more harmonious work environment.
Value of Empathy and Kindness: Creating a workplace culture that prioritizes empathy, kindness, and understanding can lead to increased employee satisfaction, better performance, and a more cohesive team dynamic.
Legislative Changes and Employer Responsibility: New employment laws are pushing businesses to take responsibility for their employees' well-being. Employers should view these changes as opportunities to enhance workplace culture rather than as burdensome requirements.
SOCIAL LINKS
www.centreforpeacefulsolutions.org
www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk
www.workplacehuddle.com
HOST BIO
Maria founded the Centre for Peaceful Solutions in response to the fatal shooting of a 7 year old in her neighbourhood. She developed a model of conflict resolution for violent crime using her brainchild, the Dialogue Road Map (DRM).
Over 30 years she has mediated everything from threat to life gang disputes to high stakes business deals gone wrong, Maria empowers people to resolve conflict without reliance on experts. So she trains violent prisoners to be facilitators, leaders to be effective communicators, teenagers to be peer mediators and neighbours to be tenant listeners within their respective communities.
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/