Employment Disputes Are on the Rise — Mediation Can Help Resolve Them

Pullman & Comley Alternative Dispute Resolution and Labor & Employment Attorney Jonathan B. Orleans authored the HR.com article “Employment Disputes Are on the Rise — Mediation Can Help Resolve Them,” which examines the sharp rise in workplace claims and explains why mediation is an effective, lower-risk alternative to trial. The article emphasizes that as employment disputes become more frequent and costly, mediation offers a practical path to resolution that saves time, expense, and uncertainty.

In the article, Jon notes that discrimination charges filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have risen 44% since 2021, reaching nearly 90,000 complaints in 2024, yet fewer than 5% of employment cases proceed to trial. He explains, “Trials are risky, disruptive, and costly for both sides, so attorneys often help their clients reach a mutually acceptable compromise.” Drawing on his 40 years of experience representing both employers and employees, Jon highlights how mediation provides a private, cost-effective forum where a neutral can help parties realistically assess risk, manage heightened tensions, and work toward mutually acceptable resolutions.

To read the full article, please visit HR.com.