What if the way we resolve employment disputes is sometimes part of the problem?

In this 45-minute e-learning session, mediator and workplace conflict specialist Lisa Oakley explores where individual employment disputes can become unnecessarily entrenched, and where earlier intervention may create better outcomes.

Drawing on more than 20 years across employment relations, investigations, mediation and organisational change, alongside her doctoral research on dispute resolution, Lisa will examine the human, legal and organisational cost of protracted conflict and practical ways to reframe the path to resolution.

The session is designed for dispute resolution and employment practitioners interested in fairer, more proportionate, and more sustainable approaches.

This session is part of our Practice and Sector Updates e-Learning content stream. Learn more about our e-Learning programme.

What participants will take away

• A practical lens for identifying where disputes become unnecessarily entrenched.

• Questions for testing whether formal process is helping resolution or escalating conflict.

• Ways to balance legal rights, procedural fairness, human impact and ongoing relationships.

• Ideas for earlier intervention and proportionate pathways that preserve dignity and reduce harm.

Event Details

Date: Friday 30 October

Time: 12-12.45pm

Online via Teams

Cost: 
Free for AMINZ Members.
$45 inc GST for general registrations.

CPD: 1

Lisa Oakley is a mediator, facilitator, and workplace conflict specialist with more than 20 years of experience across employment relations, workplace investigations, leadership, health and safety and organisational change. As Director and Lead Consultant of People Associates, she works with boards, chief executives, senior leaders, employees and representatives to navigate high-stakes workplace conflict and find practical ways forward.

Lisa is an Associate Member of AMINZ and a Professional Member of Resolution Institute. Her mediation practice combines strong employment relations knowledge with a calm, structured and relational approach.

Currently, she is commencing a Doctorate of Business Administration focused on improving individual employment dispute resolution in Aotearoa New Zealand and reducing the harm caused by workplace conflict.

Lisa whakapapas to Ngāpuhi ki Whaingaroa and Ngāti Kahu ki Whaingaroa, and her practice is informed by manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and kaitiakitanga.