Mediation
Sparkel mediation
Workplace conflicts can arise in many different forms. Disputes may develop between an employer and an individual employee, for example in relation to illness, performance issues, or conflicting personalities. Conflicts can also emerge within broader professional relationships, such as within departments, between board members, or within partnerships.
Mediation offers parties the opportunity to resolve conflicts together under the guidance of a professional and independent mediator. The mediators at Sparkel help restore constructive dialogue where discussions have reached an impasse and guide parties toward practical solutions that work for everyone involved. Rather than having a decision imposed upon them, parties work collaboratively toward a mutually supported outcome — in a way that is efficient, effective, and sustainable.
Benefits of Mediation:
- The parties remain in control of both the process and the outcome
- Mediation is often faster and more cost-effective than legal proceedings
- Confidentiality and discretion are safeguarded throughout the process
- The parties develop their own solution, allowing room for tailored arrangements that reflect the interests of both sides
- Once the mediation has concluded, clarity is restored and professional relationships are often sustainably improved
Judy Eskes and Ruben van Arkel are registered MfN mediators and are listed in the register of the Mediatorsfederatie Nederland (MfN).
Mediation in One Day
Employment disputes sometimes require swift intervention—for example, when a procedural deadline is approaching or when tensions within a team are disrupting business operations. For such situations, Sparkel Mediation offers Mediation in One Day: an intensive process in which parties work toward a mutually supported resolution within a single day.
Rather than conducting multiple sessions over several weeks, the entire mediation process is scheduled on one day. This approach shortens the overall timeline, helps prevent further escalation, and provides clarity at an early stage. The service is offered at a fixed fee, ensuring full transparency of costs in advance.
Two Mediators, Complementary Expertise
The process is facilitated by Ruben van Arkel and Judy Eskes. Ruben is an experienced employment lawyer and accredited mediator who has advised on and resolved numerous complex employment disputes. His expertise enables him to quickly identify the legal core of a matter, clarify the respective interests of the parties, and determine where scope exists for resolution. He translates legal complexity into clear, practical options, enabling parties to make informed decisions.
Judy has held various HR roles within the corporate sector and brings extensive experience in leadership, team dynamics, and organisational development. She has a keen understanding of how patterns in collaboration emerge, why discussions may reach an impasse, and which underlying interests and positions can perpetuate a conflict.
By combining legal expertise with organisational insight, both the formal framework and the underlying dynamics are addressed. This integrated approach increases the likelihood of achieving a solution that is both workable and sustainable.
When Is It Appropriate?
Mediation in One Day is particularly suitable where urgency is required: for example, in employment disputes involving impending legal proceedings, stalled employment relationships, or teams where unresolved tensions are affecting performance. This format can only be applied where all parties are willing to engage in this approach.
For further information or to arrange a no-obligation introductory meeting, please contact Ruben or Judy.
Mediation in One Day
‘Practice head Ruben van Arkel is a noted expert in the field of equal treatment.’
Legal 500, 2021
