THE SANDBOX SYSTEM™

STEP 1 - Conflict Resolution

STEP 1

Conflict Resolution

Step One of the Sandbox System uses workplace conflict resolution to restore positive relationships through mediation and workplace restorations, supporting all affected.

Whether two employees or an entire toxic department, the Sandbox System™ helps teams through the rebuilding of respectful relationships and workplace culture. Especially important after a major disruption such as crisis, termination, prolonged conflict, workplace investigations, accusations of harassment / bullying, lateral violence or sub-standard behaviors, the process is designed to resolve conflict first, then move forward with new commitments on to team training, planning, action and accountability.

transform workplace conflict into opportunity

When workplace conflict threatens your organization’s success, finding the right path forward can feel overwhelming. As a Harvard-trained mediator and creator of the Sandbox System™, I guide HR professionals and leaders through complex workplace conflicts toward peaceful, productive solutions.

the cost of unresolved conflict

Workplace conflict costs North American organizations hundreds of billions annually through:

Stress leave and increased sick time
Decreased productivity and engagement
Loss of top talent and mass exodus
Recruiting challenges from poor workplace reputation
Low team morale and collaboration

Your Path to Resolution

Whether addressing conflict between two employees or managing department-wide tensions, our Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services offer a cost-effective alternative for both reactive (formal grievances, investigations, poor morale) and proactive conflict management.

mediation

conflict between two employees

workplace restoration

managing department-wide tensions

workplace fairness assessments

preventive medicine for your organization

Mediation That Works

we specialize in situations involving:

Team division and cultural challenges
Prolonged workplace conflicts
Post-investigation restoration
Harassment or bullying accusations
Sub-standard behaviors
Fast-paced environments with constant change
Low morale, toxicity, incivility, cynicism

Beyond resolution

Our process doesn’t just solve immediate conflicts—it builds stronger teams that embrace healthy conflict and thrive on open, honest communication. Through targeted training and inclusive planning, we help organizations create lasting cultural change that drives consistent results. Let’s transform your workplace conflicts into opportunities for growth and collaboration.

what penny brings

Decades of experience

Penny Tremblay brings decades of experience, education, and energy to assist teams in their re-connection process. With authentic conversation, honesty, listening, understanding, and empathy, she guides participants to take responsibility for creating the environment they prefer, find commonality, determine ideal working relationships, and empower each other to implement their commitments to new and better working relationships. Her expertise in workplace conflict resolution helps teams navigate challenges, rebuild trust, and strengthen collaboration.

Drawing from her book, Sandbox Strategies for the New Workplace: Conflict Resolution From the Inside Out, Penny introduces eight proven strategies designed to help teams navigate conflict by becoming responsible, influential, and productive problem solvers.

Through the PLAY NICE steps, participants will learn how to exponentially increase their capacity for communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.