Vision on Burn-Out Mediation

Burnout is not just a fashion trend or a passing hype. It is a condition that has increased significantly over the years, mainly due to the changing work and life dynamics in our contemporary society. When we study the evolution of burnout, we see a clear increase in the number of illness reports. This points to the growing need for targeted interventions and prevention measures. The focus on burnout mediation as a specialisation within mediation is a direct response to this growth. Burn-outs often go hand in hand with deep emotional and interpersonal tensions, which require a specialised approach. With this vision document from NLT Lab on burnout mediation, we want to highlight the growing importance of this specialised approach. It provides clear guidelines for addressing conflicts related to burnout. This provides a clear picture of our objectives and methods, while at the same time underlining the importance and complexity of burnout as a work-related issue.

What is burnout mediation?
The definition used by NLT Lab is a process in which a medically qualified registered mediator supports parties in addressing and resolving work-related stressors that have contributed to burnout in one of the parties. This can be between employee and employer, but also between business partners in a company. The primary goal is to reach a common understanding and solutions so that the person can recover and function effectively again in his or her work environment. The process can also be preventive by addressing tensions and conflicts early on.

Why medically qualified?
Medical and psychopathological knowledge is essential in burnout mediation. After all, burnout can involve severe psychological suffering with physical consequences. It is therefore crucial to recognise early warning symptoms. Thanks to this accredited expertise, burnout mediators can assess when referral to a medical specialist or psychological help is necessary, so that those involved receive the right care and support. A specialist and medical history can therefore be part of the intake procedure at burnout mediation.

Why restraint?
At NLT Lab, we are cautious about making statements about burnout, given the multitude of possible causes. What we do think is important is that all parties can tell their stories in a safe way, without fear of adverse consequences or stigmatisation. Our approach centres on promoting and restoring understanding and trust. When parties share this intention, we encourage them to make clear agreements that both shorten reintegration time and help prevent future burnout.

Why own insights are important
At NLT Lab, we strongly believe in the idea that each individual is the best knower of their own thoughts and feelings. For this reason, we offer optimal space for the insights and experiences of those involved themselves. We avoid judgements and do not impose advice. The emphasis is on voluntariness and the right of self-determination of each participant. This also means that if a participant decides to end the mediation, this is respected. Our role is facilitative and supportive, with the aim of allowing everyone’s own expertise to come to the fore.

Why a best approach doen’t exists?
NLT Lab does not believe in a best approach to resolving burnout conflicts. After all, each person has their unique experience and background that contributes to how they experience and cope with burnout. Numerous factors can come into play that cause unhealthy and unwanted stress. Examples include high work pressure, poor communication, work-life imbalance, unrealistic expectations, unfounded accusations or lack of appreciation. When these stressors persist, minor irritations can grow into deep frustrations. These frustrations can then lead to feelings of misunderstanding. And when misunderstanding and mistrust come together, they can quickly become a breeding ground for conflicts that parties can no longer resolve. At NLT Lab, we therefore focus on the personal story and the specific situation of each individual, in order to reach broad-based solutions together.

Why narrative interventions in burn-out mediation?
Narrative interventions in burnout mediation are valuable because they focus on the personal stories of individuals. These stories provide insight into how someone experiences his or her burnout, what factors contributed to its occurrence and what beliefs and values underlie their experience. By exploring and reinterpreting these stories together in a safe space, limiting beliefs and ingrained patterns can be identified and challenged. This creates space for developing new, more constructive stories and insights. At the same time, individuals find new meanings and perspectives that help in the recovery process. This provides recognition and validation to the individual’s experiences, contributing to a sense of being understood. Moreover, underlying conflicts and misunderstandings in communication can be uncovered and addressed. This narrative approach empowers the individual to actively participate in his or her recovery, increasing the sense of autonomy and empowerment.

Role of a burnout mediator?
An NLT Lab Burnout Mediator first listens to the stories of both parties in a neutral and independent way. Through narrative analysis, the dominant story elements are identified. These are the predominant thoughts or feelings that have a major impact on a person’s experience. They can be so influential that they strongly influence a person’s perceptions, decisions, behaviour and interactions with others. By identifying and acknowledging these dominant elements in the story, alternative perspectives can be explored with those involved. When parties are ready to engage with each other, the burnout mediator facilitates a plenary session. Parties decide what information they want to share. The aim of the dialogue is to understand each other’s story and jointly find solutions for a successful reintegration or prevention of burnout. The mediator ensures that the agreements made are clearly recorded and signed by both parties as proof of approval and acceptance.