Halcyon Group: Phase 1


		The Halcyon Group Program offers three phases of dispute resolution: ombuds services; mediation; and, binding arbitration. The Program is intended to resolve each dispute as fairly, as early, as informally, and as privately as possible. The three-phase program offers different levels of intervention to ensure that disputes are resolved using the least costly and disruptive process. The Halcyon Group provides: skilled, impartial professionals, who help resolve such disputes effectively; all policies, agreements and other documents necessary to install the Program; and, orientation seminars to review the nature and procedures of the Program with management and all employees. When an organization accepts the Halcyon Group Program, both the employer and employees agree to resolve most, if not all, disagreements within the ADR system, and to use the Program as the exclusive way to conclude workplace disputes.
		PHASE 1: OMBUDS SERVICE An ombuds is an impartial, experienced problem resolver, who reviews disputes and recommends solutions. The concept originated in Sweden hundreds of years ago. The ombuds was a respected senior official, appointed to help citizens resolve their complaints with the government, empowered to provide confidential advice and counseling to citizens, and authorized to help investigate and resolve disputes. Over the past thirty years, hundreds of organizations in this country, including large corporations and universities, have appointed ombuds to provide this service to employees. In changing corporate environments, we cannot assume that employees will always feel comfortable reporting problems, grievances, or wrongdoing. Employees may be uncertain about the consequences of bringing a problem to company representatives because they fear possible retaliation from supervisors or co-workers. They also may worry that sensitive information will not be kept confidential, and believe that no corrective action will be taken. Such unreported, unresolved problems can develop into costly litigation, and injure the organization. An important reason to install an ombuds system is to offer employees a safe and anonymous way to review an employment issue before it leads to confrontation. An ombuds is a trained, neutral party to whom employees can turn for counseling, informal fact-finding, and, when requested by the employee, intervention. The mission of the ombuds is two-fold. Primarily, the ombuds will assist employees who need help solving problems in the workplace. Secondly, the ombuds will provide neutral, confidential advice to management concerning trends and practices in the organization that may need attention or correction. Many medium size and smaller companies cannot justify the cost of a full time ombuds. For these organizations, the Halcyon Group provides an external, professional ombuds to receive and resolve complaints.