Q: If we require two employees to attend a mediation session to resolve their long-term workplace conflict, can their attendance be enforced? If they refuse to participate, could we discipline them or issue a warning, since the direction to attend is reasonable management action?

A: If the direction to attend mediation is lawful and reasonable, you may have grounds for taking disciplinary action if an employee fails to attend. You would need to be able to establish that you have a genuine need in making the direction to the employees.

However, you should carefully consider the circumstances of the conflict and the reasons an employee may not want to attend mediation.

Forcing an employee to attend mediation in some circumstances will be unreasonable, and making threats that an employee will face disciplinary action for failing to attend could expose you to a victimisation or adverse action claim.

Please note: The answer is correct at the time of publishing. Be aware that laws may change over time. Refer to Relationships in the workplace for current advice.