Workplace Mediation Skills

Workplace Investigation Skills Training Course

Develop the skills to address and resolve conflict in the workplace early.

Date | 2026 dates available soon

Customised training | This course can also be delivered as in-house training, and customised to your organisation’s needs. To enquire please contact us.

Over two days, this in-person training course will provide participants with practical strategies to resolve workplace conflict early, and learn a proven framework for in-house mediation.

Conflict in the workplace can cause increased dissatisfaction, decreased productivity, reduced wellbeing in individuals and teams, and potential legal risks for employers and employees. Early intervention utilising the mediation skillset is a powerful tool in assisting parties to resolve their differences and move forward positively.

In-house HR and Employment Relations professionals, as well as leaders looking to develop conflict resolution skills, will benefit from this in-depth training led by some of New Zealand’s most experienced and effective workplace mediators.

Course structure and content

Day 1 – Developing skills Understanding conflict and the options to address it, including:

  • Understanding and identifying workplace conflict.
  • Your options to address conflict, and selecting a process.
  • Basic principles of mediation.
  • The difference between in-house, private and MBIE mediation.
  • Addressing perceived conflict of interest.
  • The in-house mediator’s role, processes and tools, including the Agreement to Mediate, confidentiality conversations, mediator neutrality and pre-mediation conversations.

Day 2 – Applying skills Focusing on elements of the mediation process, including:

  • The mediation process in depth, covering: interest and positions, negotiation, pre-mediation, setting the agenda, mediator’s opening, parties’ openings, active listening, questioning, silence, managing challenging behaviour, reframing, summarising, identifying issues, private sessions, reality testing, what to do when you get stuck, options for resolution, settlement.
  • Practice of techniques.

Facilitators

Lynn Booker

Senior Associate; Resolution Institute 2021 Awardee for Exceptional Practice

James Crichton

Barrister; Chief, ERA 20152019

“The training exceeded my expectations. It was a privilege to be trained by such accomplished professionals.”

Head of People and Culture,
National asset-management organisation

Upcoming Dates

2026 dates available soon

Customised training | This course can also be delivered as in-house training, and customised to your organisation’s needs. To enquire please contact us.

Celebrating Safely –  Our Guide to Xmas Functions

Celebrating Safely – Our Guide to Xmas Functions

Our guide to an enjoyable xmas event  As December comes into view, New Zealand businesses are heading into Christmas functions that promise a well-earned celebration of the year’s achievements. These events help build team morale

Read More
What to Expect in Collective Bargaining in 2026

What to Expect in Collective Bargaining in 2026

Senior Associate Adrian Tocker shares valuable perspectives on the 2025 collective bargaining landscape and offers insight into what  for 2026. December 2025 The year 2025 has been marked by a delicate balancing act between economic

Read More
Mediation Trends – October 2025

Mediation Trends – October 2025

Senior Associate Lynn Booker reflects on the trends seen by our team in workplace mediations, including the rise of team conflict, and the growing impact of individual mental health on the employment relationship.   As

Read More
PREV NEXT