Organizational Ombuds Independent conflict facilitators for any organization

Ombuds transform conflict into a productive force for individuals and for the organization. Resolution & Learning

Ombuds work with people who 😳 🤔 😥 😖 🤬 Have witnessed, committed, or suspect wrongdoing Are considering filing a formal complaint Do not know where to bring their issue Seek mediation to resolve an interpersonal conflict Are experiencing harassment, bullying, or unwanted attention Feel unfairly treated, compensated, demoted, etc. Need coaching to handle a sensitive issue Want a place to safely express their frustration or concern

People work with ombuds because 💪 🧐 🤐 👍 Ombuds empower them to address conflicts safely Individuals remain in control of the process, while ombuds help them consider all angles and generate options Ombuds are confidential and informal Strictly private, no records kept, no grievances filed Ombuds are neutral and independent No judgement, no side-taking, no line of management that compromises the ombuds’ ability to keep confidences and be an advocate for fair process

Ombuds provide services For the individual 😕 For the organization 🏰 Entirely confidential…. Active listening Conflict coaching Policy clarification Mediation Shuttle diplomacy Option generation Resource connection Communication training Conflict competence training Entirely anonymized…. Trend data and analysis Early alert to problem areas Insight to decision makers + Conflict management system cohesion Alternatives to costly litigation Increased institutional trust

Executives estimate loss of $30,000 daily due to… AVOIDING CONFLICT The average US employee spends 2.8 hours per week dealing with conflict. 25% say avoiding conflict led to absenteeism 10% say workplace conflict led to project failure FAILING TO GIVE FEEDBACK UNPRODUCTIVE CONFLICT STAYING SILENT ON CRITICAL ISSUES Menon & Thompson, Harvard Business Review, 2016

14x = Return on investment in ombud services* * Does not include savings from avoiding litigation. McBride & Hostetler, National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), 2008

informal Ombud services are confidential impartial independent

distinct from yet complementary to human resources, compliance, and other formal offices. Ombud services are

Addressing concerns safely and proactively saves time, ups competitive edge, and reduces turnover, all of which improve organizational health and profit. 💰 👂 When concerns are surfaced, an organization can work to address them safely and proactively. 😀 People are more likely to surface concerns and address conflict when they feel safe and in control.

Learn how to start, sustain, or improve the ombuds function in your organization at ombudsassociation.org