Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is an effective tool for employees, managers and supervisors in resolving various employee conflicts and disputes. It is an alternative to traditional methods of early intervention and dispute resolution. ADR provides parties the chance to present complete details of an issue in dispute, and allows the parties the opportunity to hear each other’s view points. An essential element of ADR however is that it provides parties the opportunity to identify common ground and concurrences and prepare mutually acceptable options to resolve disputed issues. These sessions, while voluntary, are highly encouraged due to their success rate, however not all situations are suitable for mediation. The advantage of mediation over more traditional complaint procedures is that it provides an environment for creative problem solving between the parties.

The mediation session is private and confidential. The CADRP uses mediators from the Interagency Sharing Neutrals Program for headquarters employees and the Federal Executive Board for employees in the regions. Through the skilled assistance of the mediator, parties are encouraged to listen, be empathetic, mediate in good faith, suspend preconceived judgments, respect each other’s values, negotiate without holding to a fixed position, and focus on resolving the underlying conflict.