January 28, 2022
MWI’s Outsourced Ombuds resource helps both large companies and small businesses gain the benefits of having an ombuds but at less cost than employing a full-time ombuds. Ombuds help employees feel happier where they work. They also help companies attract and keep top talent. Outsourced ombuds, like MWI, can enhance these benefits without the overhead costs of a full-time employee.
An ombuds office (formerly ombudsman office) facilitates informal resolution for any employee concern. For example, an ombuds is available to discuss any conflicts or complaints. Ombuds also answer employee questions about policies or procedures. To sum up, an ombuds office is a confidential place for employees to speak with someone trained to listen, coach, and facilitate discussion.
Many employers understand that is important to help employees and management feel:
An ombuds office is designed to serve these goals. Ombuds provide employees a comfortable place to go with any questions about conflict, complaints, or policies. Ombuds also have the tools to help employees find their best solution.
Ombuds are a independent, informal, confidential, and neutral resource to employees. This means employees can approach an ombuds without fear of retaliation. Ombuds’ confidential nature also makes employees more likely to talk to them. As HR Magazine noted, “[t]hese individuals can help HR professionals by handling many employee-relations concerns, including potentially unethical or illegal behavior, before they get out of hand.”
Additionally, as a neutral resource, ombuds can follow up anonymously to make sure all complaints are addressed. As an expert on the company’s structure, ombuds also know who to contact to resolve complaints.
Lastly, because ombuds are conflict experts, they can design unique solutions for employees. These can range from individual coaching sessions to helping write company-wide policies.
MWI’s outsourced ombuds office model provides companies with one or two designated neutrals to serve as an impartial dispute resolution practitioner. These practitioners provide independent, informal, confidential, and neutral assistance to employees.
An outsourced ombuds provides the same functions as an on-site ombuds, including:
In addition to providing the same benefits as on-site ombuds, outsourced ombuds also provide additional benefits to employees.
To ensure that conference attendees are supported at your next conference, consider the benefits of an outsourced conference ombuds. MWI’s conference ombuds team members provide informal, independent, neutral, and confidential support to your members and resolve concerns before they escalate. Learn more here.
Ombuds help companies resolve conflicts early. As a confidential and neutral resource, they can help employees feel recognized, respected, heard, and valued. Outsourced ombuds provide many of the same benefits as a full-time ombuds but at a fraction of a cost. Additionally, MWI’s Outsourced Ombuds program provides companies with a choice of neutrals, increasing the diverse perspectives available to employees and the likelihood they will reach out.
For more information about MWI’s Outsourced Organizational Ombuds Services, contact Chuck Doran, Ombuds & Executive Director at cdoran@mwi.org.