1. Organizational Ombuds
Independent conflict facilitators for any organization

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 14x = Return on investment in ombud services*
* Does not include savings from avoiding litigation.
McBride & Hostetler, National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), 2008

8. informal
Ombud services are
confidential
impartial
independent

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

10. 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.

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