Kentucky Employee Mediation Program
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What is KEMP? |
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KEMP was established as a way for employees to solve problems with another employee or with a supervisor. A trained mediator meets with two (or more) people in a conflict and helps them reach their own solution. The mediator is neutral and does not take sides. The mediator does not work in the same agency as the people being mediated.
Mediation is available, at no cost, to all state employees in the Executive Branch. In addition to mediation, there are teams who will travel to worksites and make recommendations that could increase productuivity, reduce the number of stress-related sick days, and retain employees. Managers who are interested in receiving this service for their agency may call 502-564-5974. ^Top
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How can mediation help me? |
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Have you ever...
- Had a personality conflict with a co-worker, or
- Had a problem with your supervisor, or
- Felt discriminated against?
then, you may benefit from MEDIATION.
Other mediation issues include: flex time, communication issues, ADA, suspensions, and workplace environment.
Any grievable issue can be mediated. ^Top
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Why use mediation? |
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- Problems can be resolved before they escalate. Workplace problems that are not solved have a way of growing into much bigger problems. With mediation, little problems can be resolved before the employee becomes so dissatisfied that he/she files a grievance, Personnel Board appeal, or a lawsuit, and involves everyone else in the immediate workplace.
- The content of the mediation is confidential. The supervisor usually knows when an employee goes to mediation. However, no information about what was discussed in the mediation is given to anyone. The people being mediated also sign an agreement stating that they will keep the contents of the mediation confidential.
- Parties are on equal footing since mediators are neutral. Sometimes when there is a dispute, one person feels less powerful than the other. This could be due to rank (job title), length of service, educational level, size of person, or degree of aggression. The mediator does not allow anyone to feel intimidated and, therefore, mediation is a more comfortable process for solving conflict than some other processes.
- Individuals are in charge of their own cases. Mediators do not determine the outcome of cases. The mediator makes sure both people get a chance to be heard, in a respectful, non-judgmental way, and assists them in reaching their own solution.
- Any settlement agreement must be acceptable to both people in the mediation, there is nothing to lose by trying it. If mediation does not result in an agreement, the person can still file a grievance or pursue another form of conflict resolution.
- Helps reduce feelings of hostility. When a workplace conflict goes on for a long time, one or both people become resentful. They often stop communicating, or else communicate ineffectively. Each one may imagine that the other one does not like them, or wants to harm them in some way. Mediation helps each one understand the other's point of view.
- Improves morale. When there is a conflict or communication problem left unresolved, the morale of the employees involved, as well as the morale of other employees who work in the same area, suffers. Time is wasted complaining about problems. Once the mediation takes place, employees can spend less time and energy on the conflict, and enjoy doing their work.
- Improves working relationships. One need not socialize with co-workers if they choose not to do so. However, working relationships based on mutual respect are important in keeping employees happy and focused on their work. They are more likely to go the extra step to help a fellow employee when there's a good working relationship.
- Helps separate emotional issues from factual issues. When two people in a conflict sit down with a neutral mediator, it is easier to focus on the facts of the dispute. Sometimes, when there is a long-standing conflict, the people begin to personally attack each other, rather than focus on finding a solution to the problem.
- Promotes a Win-Win outcome. In most mediation cases, both people involved say they are satisfied with the outcome and that their situation is improved. In other forms of dispute resolution, there is usually a "winner" and a "loser." No one wants to be the "loser."
Mediation cannot:
- Solve all problems.
- Make someone's pain go away.
- Make someone's supervisor give them a raise.
- Make a co-worker change their personality.
While mediation CAN do great things, the mediator cannot change situations beyond his/her control. However, mediation can help participants better understand one another and gives the opportunity to openly discuss problems. ^Top
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How to start the process. |
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- Any Executive Branch employee with status may request a mediation.
- Either fill out the "Request for Mediation Form" (MSWord - 38 KB) form and mail it to Linda House Patrick, KEMP, 3rd Floor State Office Building, 501 High Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 or call 502-564-5974 to tell us that you are interested in mediation. Reasonable accommodation will be provided upon request.
- We can call the other participant with whom you have a dispute and get possible dates for mediation. If you have not contacted the other person and would be more comfortable, we will be glad to ask them if they would be interested in mediation. However, the process is voluntary and they may not wish to participate.
- After a date is established we will send you a packet that includes a confirmation letter and a "Preparing for Mediation Packet" (PDF - 229 KB) document.
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Training Dates / Information |
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Description: 37 1/2 hour training in which attendees are taught basic mediation skills. An additional day is required which includes areas of state government such as Statutes and Regulations, sexual harassment law, performance evaluations, and working with the Personnel Board. To be considered for this training, please contact Linda Patrick at 502-564-5974 or by email at linda.patrick@ky.gov.
Please note that this training is only available to Kentucky state government employees and there is a selection process involved.
The next training is scheduled for December 15 -19, 2008 and January 7, 2009. ^Top
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Contact Us |
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Kentucky Employee Mediation Program
Office of Employee Relations
State Office Building, 3rd Floor
501 High Street
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
Phone: 502-564-5974
E-mail: Linda.Patrick@ky.gov
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