How can we help?

Filing a concern is simple: create an account on our platform, provide details about your workplace concern, and submit documentation if available. Our intake team reviews your submission to ensure it's appropriate for mediation. You'll then be contacted to confirm details and discuss next steps. The entire process typically takes 5-7 business days from submission to assignment of a mediator.

Your identity is protected during the intake phase. However, once mediation begins, your employer will learn your identity as the parties exchange information and proposals through the platform. You maintain control over what information you share, and mediators enforce confidentiality. If you have specific safety concerns, discuss them with our intake team. The platform can facilitate separate, asynchronous communication between parties as needed.

After submission, our intake team reviews your concern to verify it's eligible for mediation. You'll receive an email within 24 hours with initial feedback. If approved, we'll contact you to discuss details, answer questions, and explain the mediation process. We then reach out to your employer to present the case and invite their participation. Once both parties agree to mediate, we assign an experienced mediator and schedule your first session.

Yes, absolutely. You have the right to consult with or retain an attorney at any point. Many employees choose to have legal counsel review their case or attend mediation sessions. Attorneys can provide valuable guidance, though they're not required. The cost of legal representation is separate from Wiser's fees. We're designed to be accessible to unrepresented employees while supporting those who prefer legal counsel.

If mediation doesn't result in an agreement, you retain all of your legal rights to pursue other remedies, including consulting with an employment attorney or pursuing litigation. The confidentiality of mediation means nothing discussed during the process can be used against you later. We provide transition support and resources to help you understand your next options if mediation is unsuccessful.

Wiser Workplace is designed to be accessible to employees. Most employees pay nothing or a minimal fee to use our platform. The bulk of costs are covered by employers who subscribe to our resolution services. If fees apply to your specific situation, we'll be transparent about costs upfront during intake. Our goal is to ensure financial barriers don't prevent employees from seeking resolution.

Yes, you can withdraw your concern at any time before or during mediation without penalty. Simply notify our support team of your intent to withdraw, and we'll process your request promptly. Withdrawing does not affect your legal rights or options to pursue other remedies. If you've already agreed to participate with your employer, we'll communicate your withdrawal professionally and maintain confidentiality.

Asynchronous platform-based mediation is a process where the mediator facilitates separate, non-real-time communication with each party through the secure platform rather than requiring synchronous meetings. This format is useful when there are safety concerns, power imbalances, or emotional barriers to direct communication. The mediator conveys proposals, information, and interests between parties through the platform to facilitate resolution. Asynchronous mediation is more private and can be less intimidating for some participants.

You can track your case status 24/7 through your personal dashboard on our platform. Your dashboard displays the current stage of your dispute (intake, mediator assigned, in mediation, resolved, or withdrawn), scheduled session dates, and any required documents. You'll also receive email updates at key milestones. If you have questions about your status, our support team is available via chat, email, or phone during business hours.

Gather any documentation relevant to your concern: emails, performance reviews, pay stubs, HR communications, text messages, witness statements, or incident reports. Don't worry about perfect organization. Our intake team will help you organize materials. For confidentiality reasons, sensitive documents should be submitted directly through our encrypted platform rather than email. During intake, we'll advise which documents are most important for your specific case.

Wiser Workplace helps employers resolve workplace disputes quickly, confidentially, and at a fraction of typical litigation costs. Participating demonstrates a commitment to fair dispute resolution and can improve employee trust. Our platform provides data and insights into workplace patterns, helping you identify potential systemic issues early. Early dispute resolution may also reduce turnover, improve employee satisfaction, and lower litigation risk, though results vary by organization and situation.

Resolving disputes early through mediation can help reduce the risk of escalation to litigation, which is often costly and time-consuming. When both parties reach and sign a mediated agreement, that agreement is binding and enforceable. Early resolution may also reduce the likelihood of negative publicity, regulatory complaints, and related claims. Our platform helps identify patterns in workplace concerns, which can allow you to address potential systemic issues proactively. Not all disputes will resolve through mediation, and parties should consult an attorney for legal advice about their specific situation.

The employer dashboard provides real-time visibility into all active disputes, including case status, timeline progress, assigned mediator, and scheduled sessions. You'll see anonymized dispute categories (e.g., wage issues, discrimination, harassment) and trend reports showing patterns over time. The dashboard also displays resolution outcomes, cost savings compared to litigation, and employee satisfaction metrics. This data is invaluable for HR strategy, identifying training needs, and demonstrating due diligence to leadership and boards.

Wiser maintains a network of experienced employment mediators who are vetted for expertise, neutrality, and communication skills. Mediators are selected based on their experience with the specific type of dispute, any relevant industry background, and availability. We match mediators to cases considering the preferences and needs of both parties. All mediators are trained in California employment law and adhere to strict confidentiality and ethical standards. You can request mediator background information before sessions begin.

Wiser Workplace is designed for external dispute resolution between employees and employers. However, some companies use insights from Wiser data to improve internal HR processes, training, and conflict resolution. We can discuss custom arrangements for larger enterprises interested in using our platform for internal mediation with their own trained neutral facilitators. Contact our enterprise team to explore possibilities tailored to your organization's needs.

Wiser provides detailed compliance reports tracking dispute categories, resolution timelines, and aggregate statistics. All are designed to demonstrate your company's commitment to fair dispute resolution. Reports can be customized for regulatory audits, board presentations, or internal review. We track anonymized data around discrimination, retaliation, wage issues, and other categories to help you stay compliant and informed. Reports protect your company while respecting individual privacy and confidentiality.

Employers typically pay for Wiser through a subscription model (flat monthly fee) or a per-case model (pay for each mediation). Subscription pricing scales with company size and includes access to the dashboard, unlimited case submissions, compliance reporting, and analytics. Per-case pricing is ideal for companies with occasional disputes. Multi-year commitments receive volume discounts. For detailed pricing tailored to your company size and dispute volume, contact our sales team.

Yes, Wiser offers API integrations with major HRIS platforms including ADP, BambooHR, Workday, and others. Integration allows automatic case creation, employee data syncing, and streamlined reporting workflows. We also support single sign-on (SSO) for smooth access. For enterprise customers, our technical team can discuss custom integration requirements. Contact our integration specialists to discuss your system's compatibility and implementation timeline.

Based on industry data, employers may save an estimated $40,000-$150,000 per mediated case compared to litigation, which can cost an estimated $300,000+ in legal fees alone. When factoring in management time, reputational protection, and faster resolution (estimated 30-60 days vs. 2+ years for litigation), the potential return on investment can be significant. Actual savings vary by case complexity, jurisdiction, and other factors. We can discuss estimated cost comparisons for your company based on your current dispute volume.

Register through our Employer Portal with your company email, basic company information, and details about your dispute volume. During signup, you'll select your pricing plan and can request a guided onboarding call with our team. After registration, you'll receive access to the employer dashboard, training materials, and dedicated support. Our onboarding specialists will schedule implementation to ensure smooth integration with your systems and processes.

Mediation is a collaborative conflict resolution process where a neutral third party (the mediator) facilitates communication between disputing parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Unlike judges or arbitrators, mediators don't decide cases. Instead, they help parties understand each other's perspectives and explore creative solutions. Mediation emphasizes dialogue, understanding, and mutual problem-solving, making it ideal for preserving relationships while resolving disputes efficiently.

In mediation, the neutral facilitator helps parties reach their own agreement; there's no binding decision imposed. In arbitration, an arbitrator hears evidence and makes a binding decision, similar to court proceedings. Mediation is more flexible, collaborative, and often faster. Arbitration is more formal and adversarial. Wiser focuses on mediation because it encourages genuine problem-solving and understanding, but if mediation doesn't work, parties retain rights to pursue arbitration, litigation, or other remedies. The choice depends on your goals.

Wiser's mediators are experienced professionals with backgrounds in employment law, HR, labor relations, or psychology. Most have 10+ years of experience and specialized training in employment dispute mediation. All mediators are certified and maintain strict ethical standards including neutrality, confidentiality, and impartiality. They're trained to recognize power imbalances, cultural differences, and emotional dynamics that affect conflict resolution. Your mediator's biography and background will be shared before your sessions begin.

Asynchronous platform-based mediation begins with the mediator explaining the process and ground rules through the secure system, ensuring confidentiality. Each party has an opportunity to explain their perspective asynchronously through written submissions. The mediator identifies common interests and areas of disagreement, asking clarifying questions. Parties remain separate on the platform as the mediator guides negotiations through asynchronous proposals and responses. The goal is to move from positions (what each party demands) to underlying interests (what each party actually needs).

The mediation process itself is not binding, and either party can walk away at any time. However, if both parties reach and sign a written agreement, that agreement is generally binding and enforceable as a contract. This structure gives parties flexibility during negotiation while providing certainty once an agreement is signed. All parties should review the terms carefully and consider consulting an attorney before signing any final agreement.

California law establishes strong confidentiality protections for mediation proceedings. Under these protections, communications made during mediation, whether oral or written, are privileged and cannot be used as evidence in legal proceedings without all parties' written consent. This protection encourages honest dialogue by ensuring participants cannot be harmed by statements made during mediation. It's a critical protection for both employees and employers, giving everyone confidence to speak openly and negotiate in good faith.

Yes, Wiser Workplace provides fully asynchronous platform-based mediation through a secure online system. All mediation occurs through the platform. There are no video calls or in-person meetings required. Asynchronous mediation works effectively for all parties and offers complete flexibility for employees and employers regardless of location. Platform-based mediation maintains confidentiality through encrypted systems and is fully accessible without requiring any travel.

If mediation doesn't produce an agreement after a reasonable effort, the case closes and both parties retain all their legal rights and options. Nothing discussed in mediation can be used against either party later, thanks to confidentiality protections. Employees can pursue litigation or seek other legal remedies. Employers retain their defenses and rights. Unsuccessful mediation is not a failure. It's a learning opportunity that often clarifies positions and sometimes leads to future settlements. Wiser provides transition resources to help both parties understand their options.

Wiser accepts all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), ACH bank transfers, and wire transfers. Subscription payments are processed automatically on your renewal date. All payment processing is encrypted and PCI-DSS compliant for security. You can update payment methods anytime in your account settings. For enterprise customers, we can discuss custom billing arrangements including invoicing terms.

You can cancel your subscription anytime through your account settings or by contacting our support team. If you cancel mid-month, your subscription remains active until the end of the current billing period. No partial refunds are issued for unused time. Upon cancellation, you lose access to new case submissions but can still access existing case information and dashboards until your subscription officially ends. We encourage feedback on why you're canceling; your input helps us improve.

Yes, Wiser offers a 14-day free trial for new employers who want to explore the platform without commitment. During the trial, you get full access to the dashboard, can submit cases, and experience the platform firsthand. No credit card is required to start. After 14 days, your trial expires and you'll need to choose a paid plan to continue. If you have questions during your trial, our team is available to provide guidance.

Wiser offers a 30-day refund satisfaction policy if you're unsatisfied after your first month. Simply request a refund within 30 days of your first charge and we'll refund your subscription fee in full. Beyond 30 days, subscription fees are non-refundable per our terms. Mediation service fees are non-refundable once mediation has begun. We're confident in our service quality, and this satisfaction policy lets you try Wiser with confidence.

Your subscription automatically renews on the same day each month (or year, depending on your plan) unless you cancel. You'll receive an email reminder 7 days before renewal with the amount to be charged. Auto-renewal ensures uninterrupted access to the platform; you don't need to take any action. You can always change your renewal date, update your payment method, or cancel anytime in your account settings. We send confirmation emails after each renewal charge.

Yes, you can upgrade or downgrade your plan anytime through your account settings. Upgrades take effect immediately; the price difference is prorated based on your remaining billing period. Downgrades take effect at the start of your next billing cycle. If you need a custom plan tailored to your company's specific needs, contact our sales team to discuss enterprise pricing and arrangements.

Wiser uses industry-standard encryption (AES-256) for data at rest and TLS 1.3 for data in transit. All servers are housed in secure, monitored data centers with redundant backups. We conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities. Access to sensitive data is restricted to authorized personnel on a need-to-know basis. We also employ multi-factor authentication, encrypted backups, and strict access controls. Your data is your priority and ours. We're committed to the highest security standards.

Our full privacy policy is available at wiser.ai/privacy. It details how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information. We collect only data necessary for dispute resolution and platform functionality. We never sell your personal information to third parties. We're transparent about data retention. Dispute records are retained according to legal requirements, typically 7 years. You can request a copy of your data or deletion of your account anytime. The policy complies with CCPA, GDPR (where applicable), and all California privacy laws.

No, Wiser never sells personal information to third parties. Period. We may share anonymized, aggregated data with researchers or partners for product improvement, but this data cannot identify individuals. We may be required to disclose information to law enforcement or courts with valid legal process, but we push back on overbroad requests and notify users when possible. Your trust is foundational to our mission. Data monetization contradicts that trust.

Under CCPA and GDPR, you have the right to request all personal information Wiser holds about you. Submit a data request through your account settings or email privacy@wiser.ai with your name and account details. We'll respond within 45 days with a downloadable file containing all your data in a portable format. The request is free; multiple requests in a 12-month period may incur a reasonable fee. You also have the right to correct inaccurate data or request deletion (subject to legal retention requirements).

Mediation privilege is a legal protection that makes communications during mediation confidential and inadmissible in legal proceedings. Under California law, statements made during mediation cannot be used as evidence in court, depositions, or arbitration, with limited exceptions (e.g., certain criminal conduct). This privilege encourages candid dialogue by ensuring participants cannot be harmed by their mediation statements. Both employees and employers benefit from this protection equally.

Yes, Wiser Workplace is fully compliant with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). We provide all rights required by CCPA: access to your data, deletion (subject to legal holds), opt-out of sale (which we don't do anyway), and correction rights. We've implemented a privacy-by-design approach across all systems and maintain detailed records of our data practices. Our privacy policy clearly explains these rights. We also comply with CPRA (successor to CCPA) and similar privacy laws. Questions about compliance can be directed to privacy@wiser.ai.

You can request account deletion through your account settings or by emailing support@wiserworkplace.com. Upon request, we begin the deletion process: your login credentials are disabled, personal information is anonymized, and account data is removed from active systems within 30 days. However, we may retain dispute records as required by law for 7 years (statute of limitations) but stripped of personal identifiers. After your account is deleted, you'll lose access to the platform. Deletion cannot be undone, so be certain before requesting it.

Wiser maintains SOC 2 Type II certification, demonstrating rigorous controls over security, availability, and confidentiality. We're also ISO 27001 certified for information security management. All payment processing is PCI-DSS compliant. We undergo annual third-party security audits and maintain vulnerability disclosure policies. Our infrastructure is built on secure cloud providers (AWS) with industry-leading security controls. We're committed to maintaining the highest security standards and continuously investing in security improvements to protect your data.