Halcyon Group: Q&A


		IS THE HALCYON GROUP PROGRAM ENFORCEABLE? With respect to most workplace disputes, the Halcyon Group Program is enforceable by the courts. In several recent decisions, the United States Supreme Court has ruled that the alternative dispute resolution programs, including binding arbitration, are enforceable, so long as the programs are equitable in design and execution.
		WHO ARE THE PROFESSIONALS OF THE HALCYON GROUP? The ombuds, mediators, and arbitrators of the Halcyon Group are selected from very experienced and skilled professionals throughout the country. The Halcyon Group provides rigorous screening to ensure that the neutrals used in our Program have demonstrated skill and expertise in resolving disputes.
		HOW DOES THE PROGRAM BENEFIT EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS? The Program benefits employees by expanding and enriching the alternatives for resolving problems and disputes. Most employees prefer to solve employment disputes privately, quietly, and effectively, so that they can perform their jobs without distraction or interruption. Employers benefit because the loss of time and money to expensive, stressful, and complicated litigation is greatly reduced. Alternative dispute resolution services demonstrate an organization’s commitment to the fair, impartial, and effective resolution of disputes.
		HOW DOES THE PROGRAM REDUCE COSTS? The Halcyon Group Program practically eliminates the necessity for organizations to go to court with employees. Invariably, implementation and use of the Program’s procedures costs far less to resolve a dispute than does traditional litigation. The Program also is intended to improve morale and assist in the retention of valuable employees.
		DOES THIS PROGRAM REPLACE THE ROLE OF THE HR DEPARTMENT? This Program supplements, but does not replace, the important role of an organization’s human resources department in monitoring and resolving disputes. Ideally, an HR department will be able to tend to most disputes that arise in the organization. When an employee is reluctant to go to a manager or the HR department, the Halcyon Group Program provides an effective, fair, and neutral process to resolve the issue before it leads to litigation.