How is confidentiality handled in a workplace mediation?

Confidentiality is central to what makes mediation work. Because the parties can speak candidly only if they trust that their words will not be used against them later, mediation is conducted as a private process: what is said in the session is kept confidential, and the mediator does not report back to the organization on who said what or who was "right." This protection is what allows people to move past their prepared positions and speak honestly about what is really going on. The specific terms of confidentiality are established at the outset so everyone understands how information will be handled, including anything the parties agree may be shared with the organization and anything that must remain private. That clear, shared understanding of confidentiality is part of what creates the safety the process depends on.