Stress is the unseen killer that plagues all sectors of British business across the UK. Affecting employees at all levels and at any stage of their careers, stress is one of an employer's greatest competitors.

Although a certain level of stress is required by some staff in order to effectively focus on their objectives, an employer is faced with a delicate balance between fostering a competitive working environment and ensuring that stress does not overwhelm his or her employees.

Not only can too muchstress result in a loss of working hours, it can very often lead to compensation claims by troubled employees. Accordingly, employers ought to do all they can to ensure that their employees do not suffer from stress-related illnesses caused by their working environments.

One of the most effective ways in which stress in the workplace can be avoided is through open and honest dialogue. Employees who feel unable to share their concerns with employers are far more likely to develop stress-related symptoms as time passes and their situation worsens, whereas employers who actively encourage open discussions among employees are more likely to promote a healthier workforce.

Activity days out and team building exercises are also useful forreducing stress in the workplace. Companies who take the health, safety and welfare of their employees seriously may also offer gym membership, corporate massage services and even on-site massages.

Receiving a massage can allow a person to fully relax and unwind. On-site chair massages are especially useful in naturally high-stress workplaces.