One of the primary benefits of mediation is that it provides the charging parties and respondents with an opportunity to resolve their disputes in a timely manner, without the time, cost and stress of having to participate in a full investigation process (potentially involving interviews, responding to document requests and subpoenas, on-site investigations of property, etc.). It also allows the parties to come up with their own solutions to the issues—which may be different from those achievable as a result of litigation. Other benefits include:
- Participants retain control of the outcome
- Confidential process
- Builds communication skills
- Minimizes time and expense
- Non-threatening environment
- Clarifies the issues
- Convenient
- Efficient
- Non-judgmental – no blame
- Preserves relationships
- Quicker/cheaper resolution of dispute
- Creative approaches to resolving dispute
- Allows parties to be heard