Case Study: Mediation Restoring Relationship after Sickness Abscence (Pharmaceutical Company) An individual was absent from work for two months due to stress and a subsequent stomach ulcer. Although personal issues were deemed to be the main cause of the condition, he claimed that his workload and job pressures had contributed to the situation. While his line manager did feel sympathetic to the illness, he believed that the individual concerned hadn’t been able to cope with the role due to personal characteristics, rather than the work itself. People Resolutions was approached to help the parties work together effectively in the future. People Resolutions recommended a mediation which would focus on acknowledging past differences and restoring the working relationship. This was agreed on by the client and both parties. The manager was able to sympathise with the emotions and frustrations experienced by the individual. Full resolution was sought in terms of an agreement to return to work. The individual agreed, with the help of others, to reassess his working practice and attempt to better manage his time. The manager agreed to phase the individual’s workload more effectively and offer ongoing support. In the mediation session, they worked out a way in which they could be more open and honest with one another. The parties were contacted again three months after the mediation. Both parties reported having a stronger working relationship with each other, and the individual concerned stated that, while he still sometimes experienced pressure in his current role, it now never progressed to a stressful state. Please note that the names and organisations of the parties involved have been omitted for confidentiality purposes.
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