Workplace mediation for Northern Virginia employers and HR teams
When two colleagues can’t work together, a manager and an employee are at an impasse, or a separation conversation is getting tense, an outside neutral can help. I work with HR leaders, managers, and employees across Northern Virginia to resolve conflict before it costs you talent, productivity, and morale.
Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation Call (703) 727-8839Free and confidential · I reply within 1–2 business days · In person in Northern Virginia or by secure video
Workplace conflicts I mediate
Mediation works best early, but it can help at almost any stage of a workplace dispute.
Manager–employee conflict
Breakdowns in trust, communication, or expectations that are dragging down performance on both sides.
Co-worker & team disputes
Personality clashes, credit and workload disagreements, and teams that have split into camps.
Return-to-office & hybrid friction
Disagreements about schedules, presence, and fairness on hybrid teams.
Accommodation conversations
Structured dialogue when an employee and employer see an accommodation request differently.
Separation discussions
A neutral space for an employer and departing employee to talk through the terms of a transition.
Complaints after an investigation
Repairing working relationships once an HR process is complete, so people can actually work together again.
Built for how work happens here
Northern Virginia’s employers range from tech companies in Tysons, Reston, and Herndon to associations and nonprofits in Arlington and Alexandria, healthcare practices, schools, and growing small businesses throughout Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William. Many teams are hybrid, spread across offices and home desks. I meet in person in Northern Virginia or by secure video, so mediation doesn’t have to disrupt the workday.
Mediation complements your HR process; it doesn’t replace it. It isn’t a substitute for an investigation your policies or the law may require, and it works best when the organization is genuinely open to a resolution the parties shape themselves.
Even when the employer pays, I’m neutral. I don’t advise the company or the employee, and everyone in the room knows that from the start. That’s what makes the process credible to employees.
A clear, confidential process
Consultation with HR
A free 15-minute call to understand the situation and whether mediation is the right tool.
Private intake
Confidential one-on-one conversations with each participant and a review of relevant policies.
Joint session
A structured conversation focused on interests and practical next steps, with private breakouts as needed.
Written agreement & check-in
A written summary of what the parties agreed, reviewed by each side’s advisors as appropriate, plus an optional follow-up.
Employment mediation pricing
Published, flat-fee packages make budgeting simple:
- Workplace Clarity Session — $1,200. Up to 4 hours: confidential intake with each party and one 2-hour joint session.
- Full Dispute Resolution — $2,800. Up to 12 hours: intake, document review, up to two joint sessions, and a written agreement.
- Complex Employment Mediation — $4,200. Up to 20 hours for multi-issue or multi-party matters, with coordination with HR or counsel as needed.
- Add-ons include an HR policy conflict review ($250) and a post-agreement check-in ($150).
Why work with Sara
I spent close to two decades in federal consulting, enterprise technology implementation, and legal operations for large organizations. I understand how HR processes, reporting lines, and organizational decision-making actually work, and I keep sessions grounded in that reality.
My mediation training includes a 40-hour basic mediation course. I’m calm, prepared, and neutral, and I take confidentiality seriously.
- J.D., University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law; George Mason University alum
- Close to two decades in federal consulting, legal operations, and organizational strategy
- Mediation training: 40-hour basic mediation, 24-hour family mediation, and a 4-hour Virginia Judicial System orientation
- Neutral by design: I don’t practice law, give legal advice, or represent either side
Workplace mediation questions
Who usually pays for workplace mediation?
Often the employer, but fees can be shared however the parties agree. Payment doesn’t change my neutrality, and I explain that to every participant.
Is workplace mediation confidential?
Generally, yes. Virginia law treats mediation communications as confidential, with limited exceptions. We also agree up front on what, if anything, will be shared with leadership.
Does mediation replace an HR investigation?
No. If your policies or the law require an investigation, mediation isn’t a substitute. It can be useful before a formal complaint or after an investigation to rebuild working relationships.
Can attorneys be involved?
Yes. Either party can consult their own attorney before or after sessions, and attorneys can attend if everyone agrees. I don’t give legal advice to the company or the employee.
How quickly can we start?
I reply within one to two business days, and first sessions can often be scheduled within one to two weeks.
More answers on the full FAQ page.
You may also be looking for
Resolve it before it escalates
Book a free, confidential 15-minute consultation to talk through your situation.
Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation Call (703) 727-8839