Unlocking the Power of an Ombudsman: Strategies for Maximizing Benefits and Resolving Workplace Challenges

Of course, there is the standard way of utilizing an ombudsman for your organization. However, it’s best to ensure that these five strategies are effectively utilized within your organization to take full advantage of the benefits of having an ombudsman and keeping your bottom line sweet and lawsuit-free.

Let’s take a quick deep dive in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1….

1. Confidential Conflict Resolution:

Contrary to corporations’ belief that HR can handle the responsibility of maintaining checks and balances among employees, they miss the mark entirely. By utilizing an ombudsman, the company can fully benefit from the ombudsman’s confidential alliance and impartial services to address workplace conflicts or disputes. In doing so, they seek guidance and mediation from the ombudsman, opening the door to work towards resolving issues in a fair and confidential manner, without fear of retaliation or escalation.

2. Navigating Organizational Policies:

Utilize the ombudsman’s expertise to understand and navigate complex organizational policies, procedures, and channels for addressing concerns. This helps the organization respond strategically to employees’ concerns, complaints, and conflicts upfront, aiding in navigating the system effectively. Moreover, should there be questions about employee rights, compliance issues, or procedural matters, the ombudsman can provide information and guidance to clarify miscommunications of company standards and competencies.

3. Voice Concerns or Suggestions:

Leveraging the ombudsman as a confidential sounding board to voice concerns, provide feedback, or make suggestions for improving workplace practices or policies helps individuals articulate their concerns in a constructive manner and advocate for positive change within the organization.

4. Accessing Resources and Support:

Leverage the ombudsman’s network and resources to access support services or referrals for additional assistance. Ombudsmen usually possess sophisticated and extensive education to provide methodologies or system designs for organizations. They are equipped with resources such as where to find legal advice, counseling services, or other resources, and can help connect you with the appropriate resources to address your needs.

5. Building Trust and Transparency:

By taking advantage of the ombudsman’s role in promoting trust, transparency, and accountability within the organization, you are not only demonstrating collaboration with the ombudsman but also showing your employees a commitment to resolving issues in a fair and respectful manner. This effort equates to fostering a culture of openness and collaboration within the workplace.

Author: The Impartial lab. (M.TIL)