Employment mediators may be asked to resolve conflicts between current co-workers, or between an employee and a supervisor each of whom will continue to work together. Often the real issue is a lack of mutual respect. This said, describing respectful, future behavior in a settlement agreement can be a puzzle. An approach that I sometimes use is to suggest discussing whether a generalized commitment to demonstrate respect could be supplemented by including promises governing:
1. Acting with civility, and courtesy;
2. Greeting each other at the beginning of the workday, and saying goodbye on leaving the job;
3. Acknowledging promptly and courteously the other’s ...