According to an NHS survey “Stress, depression and mental health problems in the workplace are costing employers billions of pounds in lost productivity.” This can range from having inadequate equipment, to being set tight and unrealistic deadlines.

Another contributing factor to workplace stress is ill treatment by colleagues and difficult managers. This is particularly apparent for young professional females working in competitive industries. If this type of pressure is constantly applied, employees can feel bullied and possibly more importantly pushed out of certain social circles within the office. This inevitably leads to illness, and sick days are taken as a result. If matters do spiral in this direction, mediation can be used as opposed to the standard grievance procedures, which are daunting, especially if employees have taken weeks, or sometimes months off due to ill health.

If managers can anticipate the signs early, mediation can be applied, which will save time, money and retain the services of hardworking employees.