The Texas Commission on Human Rights receives approximately 1,200 cases a year. Of that number, in about 25 percent of the cases, the parties agree to utilize the mediation process. When cases go to mediation, two-thirds of the time they are resolved at that level and do not go forward to the investigation phase. It appears that an employer has very little to lose in trying out the mediation route. In fact, since the proceedings are confidential, and documents are destroyed after the mediation is concluded, it is difficult to make an argument against attempting mediation.
Recent information indicates there are issues other than money at stake from the complainant.
Since it might be possible to resolve the issue without monetary resolutions, employers should be more encouraged to attempt the mediation process in the future. This column is provided by Dick Baggett of Human Resource Solutions of San Angelo. Baggett is a Senior Professional in Human Resources with the Society for Human Resource Management. E.W. Scripps Publications , All Rights Reserved. Site users are subject to our User Agreement .