Workplace stress could be costly to UK businesses

British businesses might be reluctant to tackle the issue of workplace stress at a time when many firms are expecting more of their staff, often for less remuneration.

However, according to the Stress Management Society, now is the ideal time to address any problems that may exist.

It noted that companies could lose out in the long run if they do not manage stress effectively.

Director Neil Shah explained that employers should keep a close eye on workers' behaviour and look out for any noticeable changes, which might indicate that the stress of the job is becoming too much to bear.

Assessing how such anxiety might affect the employee and the business as a whole would be a useful exercise and could help save a lot of hassle, the expert said.

"One of the primary things is embedding the value of promoting wellbeing and reducing stress into the culture of the organisation," he added.

Mr Shah suggested that those who do not have a stress management programme in place could end up losing "a hell of a lot of money" in the long run.

Recent research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2010 found that women who work in a pressurised environment are 40 per cent more likely to suffer from a heart attack.