Disputes related to discrimination or harassment in the workplace are among the most sensitive and risky for companies.
They can cause reputational damage, legal repercussions, and internal tensions that are difficult to manage. Mediation offers a protected, professional, and confidential space to address the conflict, protect the people involved, and drastically reduce risks to the company.
Book a free 30-minute consultation with a trained Case Manager.
The problem: discrimination and harassment in the workplace
Allegations of discrimination or harassment may involve:
- differences in treatment based on gender, age, origin, religion or orientation
- inappropriate behavior by colleagues or superiors
- offensive comments or repeated uncomfortable situations
- mobbing or psychological pressure
- abuse of power or favoritism
- failure to protect by the company
These are highly sensitive disputes, often charged with emotional tension and with a direct impact on the corporate climate.
The consequences for the company
If not managed properly, these disputes can generate:
- risk of costly and protracted legal action
- internal and external reputational damage
- loss of confidence in the company
- worsening of the working climate
- increased turnover
- complications with unions and inspection bodies
- potential economic sanctions
Timely and professional management is essential to limit risks and protect both employees and the organization.
Why mediation is an effective solution
Mediation in employment disputes is particularly suitable for managing situations of discrimination or harassment because it offers:
- total confidentiality , essential to protect people and companies
- quick turnaround times , often in the order of a few weeks
- reduction of costs compared to legal proceedings
- professional management of emotional dynamics
- space to find customized and sustainable solutions
- possibility of rebuilding or reorganizing working relationships
- prevention of escalation and reputational damage
Mediation creates a safe environment where the parties can express themselves and seek an agreement that respects their rights and the needs of the company.
Why choose ADR Center
ADR Center is one of the most experienced organizations in managing highly sensitive employment disputes.
Our mediators are trained in managing relationship conflicts, HR dynamics, and discrimination and harassment cases.
Our contribution includes:
- impartial listening and empathic conflict management
- protection of confidentiality throughout the process
- assistance in defining operational, legal and economic solutions
- facilitation in the reorganization of internal relationships and flows
- support in preventing future conflicts in the workplace
Examples of discrimination or harassment disputes that can be handled in mediation
- An employee reports offensive comments or inappropriate behavior from a colleague.
- A worker feels disadvantaged in terms of tasks or career opportunities compared to others.
- An employee claims to be subjected to constant mobbing or psychological pressure.
- An employee reports discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, or ethnic origin.
- A supervisor is accused of abusing power or showing favoritism, creating discomfort within the team.
How the service works
- Book a free consultation with a Case Manager experienced in employment disputes.
- Let's analyze the situation, the risks and the relationships involved.
- We evaluate whether mediation is the most appropriate solution.
- We arrange a meeting with a mediator specializing in sensitive conflicts.
- The parties are working to define a confidential, balanced and sustainable agreement.
Questions & Answers
ADR Solve is a global online service powered by ADR Center that makes it easier and more accessible to start a mediation process to resolve legal disputes, anywhere in the world and in any language.
With the help of a professional, accredited mediator, parties can avoid lengthy court proceedings and find faster, cost-effective solutions to civil, commercial, or family disputes.
When you fill out the online request form, ADR Center will review the information you provide about the dispute and the parties involved.
Based on this, we will schedule a free 30-minute call with one of our experienced case managers, who speaks the selected language.
During the call, you and the case manager will evaluate whether your dispute is suitable for mediation.
If appropriate, you’ll have the option to officially file a request for a First Online Mediation Session and invite the other party to participate.
Once you file the request, our case manager will contact the responding party (by email or phone) to ask if they agree to attend the session.
- If they decline, no further action is taken and there are no additional costs.
- If they accept, ADR Center will appoint a professional mediator (in accordance with our International Mediation Rules) and coordinate the date and time for the online session.
The First Online Mediation Session is a confidential virtual meeting, up to two hours long, where a professional mediator meets both parties to discuss the dispute and possible ways to reach an out-of-court settlement.
The mediator may also use private breakout rooms for separate discussions with each party. All conversations are protected by confidentiality rules under ADR Center’s International Mediation Rules.
After the session, both parties (and their legal advisors, if present) can decide whether to:
- Continue with additional mediation sessions, or
- End the mediation process and consider alternative legal actions.
Parties can attend mediation with their lawyers or have them initiate the process on their behalf.
Lawyers and general counsel can actively support their clients throughout the mediation to ensure legal clarity and assist in reaching agreements.
ADR Solve can handle a wide range of civil, commercial, and family disputes of any value.
A full list of eligible dispute types is available in the online request form.
The initial 30-minute assessment call with a case manager is completely free and with no obligation.
Filing a request for the First Online Mediation Session requires a €100 administrative fee. If the other party does not agree to participate, there are no additional costs beyond the €100 filing fee.
If the responding party agrees to participate, each party pays €250 for the session.
If the parties decide to continue with the full mediation, the fees are agreed based on ADR Center fee schedule for full mediation.