Workplace Services

Agree has an unparalleled depth and breadth of experience in dealing with workplace issues.  This allows us to introduce a dispute resolution process that is the "right next step" for your workplace. As experts in mediation, conflict resolution, negotiation, and team building, we can draw from a variety of approaches to tailor a solution to your workplace problem.

Our approach recognizes that for everything from a two party mediation to a large group remediation or restoration to be successful, the outcome needs to deal not only with the “presenting problem” giving rise to the dispute, but must also deal with the underlying drivers of conflict that caused and created the problem in the first place. 

We look to resolve not only the problem that brought the matter to management’s attention, but also to begin to rebuild relationships, along with everyone’s capacity to effectively handle any future issues that arise. 

Some of the specific processes we offer include:

Workplace Assessment and Remediation:

• Agree will select and apply a wide range of techniques, including interviews of a representative sample of a work team, focus groups or survey tools to determine what the underlying causes of the conflict are;
• Prepare a thorough Assessment Report based upon one of a number of diagnostic models with a clear explanation of our findings and recommendations;
• Carry out any necessary interventions which may include, team capacity building, relationship by objective workshops, training, coaching and/or mediation(s);
• Follow up to assess the effectiveness of both the intervention strategies, as well as any management driven initiatives

Workplace Mediation:

Working in both union and non-union environments, we work with union, HR and management representatives to:

• Develop a Mediation Agreement that provides clear ground rules and a safe environment for the parties;
• Interview the parties to screen for harassment or other issues which may influence the design and success of the mediation;
• Serve as an independent, impartial mediator or conciliator;
• Provide Progress Notes to the parties to keep the process on track;
• Report to management as agreed with the parties’ and as defined by the Mediation Agreement;
• Follow up to support the parties’ working relationship and objectives post-mediation to ensure the resolution stays on track.

Fact-finding and Investigation:

• Meet with management representatives to obtain a briefing on the situation and to establish clear mutual expectations regarding scope;
• Review the Complaint and any Responses;
• Conduct interviews with the parties and any witnesses or necessary experts;
• Gather and review any policies and available documentation;
• Prepare a Draft Report outlining the fact-finding process and the basis for our preliminary findings;
• Obtain input from the parties in respect of the Draft Report and conduct any further investigation;
• Prepare a Final Report and, if requested, a Management Letter which would contain systemic observations which may be valuable to assist management in modifying policy or practice to prevent a recurrence.

Conflict Systems Design

Re-occurring disputes may signal the need for a review of your conflict management system. We provide a comprehensive analysis with realistic recommendations for a design to meet your unique needs.

Agree has offered these services to a wide variety of businesses, employee associations and unions, as well as to municipal, provincial and federal government and agencies.

Relationship Partnering

Work units, departments or organizations often need to collaborate effectively as a result of amalgamation or change. We facilitate workplace partnering processes that jointly build and help maintain all key aspects of critical ongoing relationships within the organization.  This approach follows the 4 Stage Partnering model successfully used by organizations in a very wide range of settings, such as joint ventures, union/management relationships, inter-departmental collaborations, project teams, etc.

If you want to learn more about how Agree's workplace services could assist in your organization, simply call Agree and provide the particulars by phone.