Stress in the workplace isn't a new problem. According to the Health and Safety Executive, work-related stress has been the most frequent cause of absence in the workplace since 2002.

Still, in spite of the statistics, it is often overlooked as a health and safety concern by many smaller businesses.

But the costs of ignoring stress in your business can be high. It's linked to high staff turnover, sickness absence, reduced work performance, poor timekeeping and customer complaints. It can also be the cause of bad business decisions, increased accident rates and poor workplace relations.

As a business owner, you need to take stress as seriously as any other workplace hazard. If you don't take stress seriously, you may leave yourself open to compensation claims from employees who have suffered ill health from work-related stress. As an employer you have a legal duty to make sure employees aren't made ill by their work, which includes preventing illness brought about by stress.

Ensuring that you have the right health and safety practices in place is vital. However, with an increasing number of regulations being introduced it's becoming increasingly difficult for business owners to keep track of changing legislation.

That's why so many of our customers are using The Royal Bank of Scotland's Mentor Services. Mentor helps businesses of all sizes to achieve and maintain compliance with seemingly ever-changing regulations on Health and Safety, employment law and taxation. Mentor Services can help protect your business from the unexpected.

They provide compliant documentation, 24/7 advice and an invaluable optional insurance indemnity (at no extra cost) to cover you for associated professional fees, expenses and most tribunal awards.

To find out more about RBS Mentor Services contact call Phil Dutton on 01527 834240 or visit www.rbsmentor.co.uk

Phil Dutton is Director, Commercial Banking IN Worcestershire for The Royal Bank Of Scotland