Every workplace is a living, breathing ecosystem where relationships, mental and physical well-being, and company culture all interact. When things are going well, productivity soars. But when conflict arises? It can lead to stress, disengagement, turnover, and even disability leaves.
That’s where Workplace Facilitation (WPF) makes a real difference.
So, what is Workplace Facilitation?
It’s a voluntary, structured process led by a trained facilitator with expertise in interpersonal relationships that includes:
- Confidential Interviews: One-on-one chats to understand each person’s perspective and ideal outcomes
- Joint Meetings: Guided discussions to rebuild trust and clear the air
- Written Agreements: A shared plan that outlines next steps and commitments
Since launching our WPF program, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be. Let us introduce you to Cheyenne – a story that shows just how much impact this approach can have.
Turning Conflict into Clarity: Cheyenne’s Story
Cheyenne has been a dedicated Community Support Worker for over 30 years. But recently, things started to shift. She was missing more work, and her interactions with coworkers became tense. Eventually, her employer reached out to DMI.
Through our case management and Workplace Facilitation process, we uncovered the full picture:
- Mental health challenges and a new medication
- Navigating emotional changes commonly experienced during menopause
- Feelings of isolation and lack of workplace support
Cheyenne still loved her job – she just didn’t know how to get back on track. Her manager, meanwhile, wanted to be supportive but needed reassurance that the workplace would remain respectful and productive.
The Facilitation Process
We got to work right away, building a plan that looked at all the biopsychosocial factors involved. That included:
- Helping Cheyenne access the right kind of counselling
- Working with her therapist to align treatment with return-to-work goals
- Initiating Workplace Facilitation to address the interpersonal dynamics
Through a series of one-on-one sessions and a joint meeting, all parties were able to voice their concerns, set expectations, and sign a shared agreement. With a 4-week Graduated Return to Work plan in place, Cheyenne made a successful return and she’s still succeeding at work today.
Why Workplace Facilitation Works
Without intervention, Cheyenne’s story could have ended very differently. But by bringing in WPF at the right time, we were able to restore communication, resolve conflict, and create a clear path forward. The result? A stronger team and a sustainable return to work.
The Bottom Line
Workplace Facilitation isn’t just about conflict resolution—it’s about building healthier, more resilient teams. It breaks down return-to-work barriers, strengthens workplace relationships, and teaches conflict resolution skills that last a lifetime. And with a 100% success rate, it’s a proven path to long-term success.
Ready to explore how Workplace Facilitation could support your team?