The Elm

The Workplace Mediation Service (WMS) is open and available to assist UMB employees with workplace conflict, and we are announcing a temporary expansion of our services.

To address the increased conflict and stress and its impact on the work of UMB employees, WMS now provides mediation for an even broader range of conflicts that impact our work.

We know that stress and anxiety are high at this time. These conditions, combined with limited movement and being stuck with (or away from) others, only increases conflict. Mediation is an informal option to address issues in the early stages. Things that are appropriate for mediation include work-related conflicts about sharing space, noise, and duties with partners, roommates, neighbors, and others who are not UMB employees.

Can this expansion help you and your work? Try this fill-in-the-blank to see if you should contact us. Use the word options below if needed. 

I want __ (1. name or relationship)__________ to know that I feel __ (2. feeling)_____________ about __(3. topic)______________. I want to talk with WMS to discuss options to __ (4. goals)___________ about __ (3. topic)___________.

Not sure if the expansion applies to your situation? Contact us anyway and we can talk about the situation and see if mediation or another University resource is appropriate. 

Word options

1. Relationship

Co-worker

Supervisor

Teammate

Partner (new!)

Neighbor (new!)

Adult child (new!)

Parent (new!)

Roommate (new!)

 

2. Feeling 

Appreciative

Annoyed

Anxious

Distracted

Frustrated

Left out

Nervous

Overwhelmed

Siloed

Stuck

Tired

Unfocused

Unsupported 

 

3. Topic

How we communicate

Job duties

My, your, or our productivity

My, your, or our schedule

How we share duties at home (new!)

How we share duties at work

Meeting the needs of our family (new!)

Outside noise (new!)

Sharing space  

4. Goal

Address the problem

Feel understood

Make a plan

Identify resources

Make things better 

You may call or email us to request mediation or to discuss whether mediation is appropriate for your situation.  

Workplace Mediation Service
Aisha Samples, MS
410-706-4270
mediation@umaryland.edu 

WMS is part of the Center for Dispute Resolution at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law (C-DRUM).