The Ombuds Office is a great resource for anyone in need of assistance navigating workplace conflicts.
The Ombuds Office is a safe place where UW-Madison employees can seek guidance regarding workplace concerns at any time, without fear of reprisal, and at no cost to them. Ombuds provide faculty and staff, including graduate student employees, with a confidential place to collaboratively explore complaints, clarify issues, and consider options and resources to address their concerns. Ombuds are impartial and non-aligned, working to promote fairness in the workplace.
Ombuds share a common goal of creating a safe and healthy work environment for all employees. They are great listeners, problem-solvers, and negotiators. They can offer services such as:
- shuttle diplomacy (mediation between two or more parties)
- role-playing difficult conversations
- serving as a reality checker
- giving informal feedback on your situation
- consulting on campus policies and procedures
While Ombuds cannot be part of any formal grievance procedures, they serve to try and solve small problems before they turn into big problems. Ombuds members do not represent any department or unit on campus, but they do have deep institutional knowledge of campus history, policy, and procedures.
If you, your lab-mate, or a colleague are having trouble navigating a workplace conflict, please don’t hesitate to reach out for support! Earlier conversations are easier conversations. You don’t have to go it alone, and there are many talented professionals on campus here to help.
More information about UW Ombuds is at https://ombuds.wisc.edu
Contact the Ombuds by email at uwombuds@mailplus.wisc.edu or by phone at 608-265-9992