Firms 'should introduce mediation as an employee benefit'

Companies looking to drive down the number of days taken off through stress-related absence should try introducing mediation as an employee benefit. Mediation reduces stress and anxiety by providing a peaceful and harmonious workplace.

David Liddle, director and founder of the TCM Group, has highlighted the fact that mediation can help a company create an environment and a working culture in which employees can feel safe about talking about their problems.  
 

Stress is now the most common cause of long-term sickness absence amongst employees with job security being top of the list of worries. According to a recent survey - Stress-related mental ill health is the most common cause of long-term absence for almost one in six employers (15%), according to a study of 500 employers by Group Risk Development (GRiD), the trade body for the group risk industry. A high proportion of stress-related sick leave is caused by relationship breakdowns, either within the company or between an employee and a significant other.
 

"In times of increased economic pressure it is important for employers to consider firstly the wellbeing of their employees and what wider implications are suggested by high levels of stress or other mental illness, and secondly what provisions they have in place to ensure both the employee and the employer are adequately protected in case of long-term absence.‘’

Mr. Liddle advised: "[Companies should] introduce mediation services in organisations to help settle the disputes and tensions which help contribute to sickness absence."
 
In addition to employee benefits companies should also focus on creating the conditions in which an employee can talk about their problems, without requiring them to go through outdated grievance procedures.