Occupational MedicineFacilitated Discussion.
KINNECT are proud to provide Facilitated Discussion for Victorian workers and employers as part of our suite of Workplace Rehabilitation Services — a non-legal, voluntary way to resolve the workplace conflict that gets in the way of a safe return to work.
The short version
Facilitated Discussion is a voluntary, non-legal dispute-resolution process for Victorian injured workers where workplace conflict is blocking a safe return to work. A KINNECT-accredited facilitator meets separately with the worker, employer and — where relevant — the treating practitioner, then runs a joint session to surface concerns, agree practical solutions and document the way forward. It can be requested by the worker, employer or insurer, and is delivered by qualified Rehabilitation Counsellors or Psychologists at a neutral location.
An alternate path through workplace conflict — not a court process.
Facilitated Discussion is an alternate method of dispute resolution for injured workers where workplace relationship issues or interpersonal conflict present as a barrier to recovery and return to work.
Like mediation, it is a non-legal process guided by a trained professional — giving each party the chance to raise issues, hear the other side and find solutions together in a supportive environment.
KINNECT’s accredited facilitators coordinate and lead the process at the request of an insurer, employer or worker.
A simple, two-step process.
Facilitated Discussion follows a structured, low-pressure path designed to surface the real issues and land a workable agreement — not relitigate the past.
- 01
Separate intake meetings
Our facilitator meets privately with the worker, the employer and — where it adds value — the treating health practitioner, to understand each perspective and the barriers in play.
- 02
Joint facilitated session
A guided joint session with the facilitator, employer and worker to raise concerns, explore solutions and agree a written action plan and pathway forward.
Workers can bring a representative to support and assist them during the joint session — the only limitation is that the support person cannot be a legal practitioner. Facilitated Discussion is a non-legal process.
What Facilitated Discussion is used to overcome.
The barriers that keep an ill or injured worker from returning to work are often relational, not clinical. Facilitated Discussion is built for exactly that.
- Interpersonal conflict or unresolved differences
- Issues with a colleague’s behaviour
- Ethical concerns at work
- Concerns about workload or work type
- Working conditions
- Supports provided for the worker
- Communication concerns or misunderstandings
Who can access Facilitated Discussion.
KINNECT provides Facilitated Discussions for workers undergoing workplace rehabilitation in Victoria, for employer-funded files, or as an early-intervention measure to help avoid a claim being lodged. Participation is voluntary — we encourage workers to take part when they feel ready.
- Victorian workers undergoing workplace rehabilitation for an illness or injury
- Employer-funded files where conflict is delaying return to work
- Early-intervention referrals aimed at avoiding a claim being lodged
- Insurers, employers or workers — anyone can request the discussion
Facilitated Discussion — answered.
The questions injured workers, employers and insurers most often ask before referring.
Who delivers Facilitated Discussion?
A KINNECT Facilitated Discussion is coordinated and delivered by a qualified Rehabilitation Counsellor or Psychologist who has completed training and accreditation in Facilitated Discussion with a recognised body in Australia. The facilitator remains impartial, independent and transparent throughout the process.
Who can request a Facilitated Discussion?
Facilitated Discussion can be requested by the employer, the worker or the insurer. We will confirm the referral, contact the parties and set up the intake meetings before any joint session is scheduled.
What issues can Facilitated Discussion help to resolve?
It is designed for situations where workplace relationship issues or interpersonal conflict are a barrier to recovery and return to work — including breakdowns in trust, unresolved disagreements about what happened around an incident, miscommunication, and disputes about supports, duties or workload.
Is participation voluntary?
Yes. Facilitated Discussion is a voluntary process. Workers are encouraged to take part when they feel ready, because the conversations can surface uncomfortable topics, but no one is required to attend.
Can the worker bring a support person?
Yes. Workers can bring a representative to support and assist them during the discussion. The only limitation is that the support person cannot be a legal practitioner — Facilitated Discussion is a non-legal process.
Where does the Facilitated Discussion take place?
The meeting does not have to take place at the employer’s workplace. A neutral venue — for example a KINNECT office — is often chosen because it helps participants feel more comfortable and keeps the conversation on equal footing.
Where is Facilitated Discussion available?
KINNECT delivers Facilitated Discussion for Victorian workers and employers as part of our Workplace Rehabilitation Services offering.
Additional resource: Navigating your Facilitated Discussion — WorkSafe Victoria.
More Occupational Medicine from KINNECT.
Physician-led services that wrap around Facilitated Discussion and the broader return-to-work journey. See the full set on the Occupational Medicine overview.
Occupational Physician Consulting
Strategic and case-level advice from Australian-trained Occupational Physicians.
Learn moreOnsite Medical Assessments
Physician-led assessments delivered at your site for high-volume or remote workforces.
Learn moreKINNECTed Care
Coordinated case management connecting injured workers to the right clinical pathway.
Learn moreTelehealth Medical Services
Physician and doctor consultations delivered securely via telehealth.
Learn more
Get the conversation moving — and the return to work back on track.
Talk to KINNECT about Facilitated Discussion for a Victorian worker, employer-funded file or early-intervention referral. We’ll coordinate the intake meetings and run the joint session at a neutral venue.