Effectiveness and benefits of mediation

The benefits and power of dialogue-based mediation is that it enables people to meet and be heard, corrects misconceptions and misinterpretations that have strained relationships, and increases understanding of each other's ways and behaviour. In a corrective discussion, neighbours can come together to define in concrete terms what needs to change and how. 

The benefits of mediation:

For individuals

  • the matter that undermines peace of mind is removed or dealt with in a new way
  • increased sense of security, reduced anxiety
  • a relationship with the neighbourhood is established or repaired
  • learning something new: a new way of dealing with neighbourhood disturbances becomes concrete and it becomes possible to take responsibility for one's own situation

To the community

  • improving the neighbourhood atmosphere and relations between neighbours
  • a sense of a safe and secure community is made concrete
  • collective problem-solving skills are strengthened
  • increased sense of community

To the real estate company

  • lighten the workload by reducing the number of incident reports
  • a new process for dialogue and conflict resolution is put in place
  • strengthening interaction with the people living in the destinations
  • increasing the involvement of residents in their own housing

For society

  • the workload of public authorities is reduced when disputes between neighbours are settled between the parties where they arise
  • the individual's agency to deal with his or her own affairs is increased
  • polarisation is prevented from deepening
  • a dialogue is established between the different parties

Benefits of mediation
according to the impact study 

According to our impact survey, a clear majority felt that mediators worked on their case with dedication, professionalism and impartiality. More than half reported that mediation had been beneficial and that challenging conflict situations had become easier as a result of the mediators' work, with as many as one in seven in ten respondents reporting an improved sense of security. In the open responses, the neighbourhood mediation activities were highly praised, but individual experiences of disappointment also emerged and areas for improvement were identified. The most frequently mentioned suggestion for improvement concerned the provision of information about the conciliation service and better publicity of the service. In other words, respondents identified a greater demand for mediation services in all the locations where the Centre for Peace in Housing operates. 

A clear majority of clients felt that the work of the neighbourhood mediators had been beneficial, with as many as nine out of ten respondents reporting a reduction in nuisance reports or complaints in the neighbourhoods where the mediators had worked. A significant and majority of the clients clearly saw the work of the neighbourhood mediators as useful, were satisfied with the work of the mediators and hoped that the cooperation would continue.  

A cartoon of a happy person opening the door of his apartment with his hands in the air to a waiting neighbour.

The experiences of residents and partners:

Resident, 54 years old: 

“After the mediation, I felt relieved. I found the mediation useful.” 

Resident, 68 years old:

“At first I didn't think mediation could help. Now I understand how wonderful and effective the process is.” 

Resident, 34 years old:

“The mediator was diplomatic and handled this difficult situation well. I feel that I have been fully heard.”