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What are the best ways of coping with workplace stress? Photograph: Alamy
What are the best ways of coping with workplace stress? Photograph: Alamy

Live Q&A: How to manage workplace stress

This article is more than 10 years old
Are you looking for advice on how to minimise and manage stress in the workplace? Join our live chat at 1pm on Tuesday

Starting a business is no easy task, and if you can get through it without breaking a sweat then something's gone wrong. That said, stress in the workplace - whether yours or your employees' - can have devastating consequences for the business.

Stress may not be the first issue to come to mind as an employer, but statistics from Health and Safety Executive showed that in 2011-12, it accounted for 40% of work-related illnesses. These instances add up and the cost of having members of staff suffering from stress can be substantial. In fact, research showed that stress in the workplace cost an estimated £3.7bn per year.

And it's not just your staff you should be worried about. According to Grant Thornton's International Business Report, almost half of business leaders feel increasingly stressed at the office.

As a business owner, work-related stress can have serious health implications, but it can also decrease productivity and motivation, which is not conducive to running a profitable enterprise. But realistically, is there a way of lowering your stress levels? Can you manage stress effectively and even channel it into something positive?

We've compiled a panel of experts who will be online next Tuesday between 1pm and 3pm to answer all your questions and share their advice on the best ways to manage stress in the workplace as a small business owner. Leave your question in the comments section below and pop back on the day to follow the live chat.

Here is this week's panel:

Gerry Peyton is the director of HRPlus, the HR consultancy firm of Squire Sanders. He has more than 22 years' experience in human resource management, business and consulting and currently advises business on stress management issues and workplace wellbeing.

Rod Beer is the head of entrepreneurs at The Ideas Factory, a private investor network which connects business and investors. Rod works with entrepreneurs to make the pitching process as stress-free as possible.

John Roddy is the chief executive of The Shield Group, a security company which employs a workforce of security professionals who encounter a variety of threats that can cause traumatic stress.

Nadim Choudhury is the head of careers services and employability at the London School of Business and Finance (LSBF). He has worked in career advising for almost a decade, with undergraduates, postgraduates and senior executives.

Simon Kenwright is the director of engagement at Maverick, a brand engagement company. He oversees people development and helps clients measure employee engagement to reduce stress within the workplace

Phil Cox runs a workplace counselling and executive coaching service as well as running a private counselling practice. Before running his own business, he held a number of roles for bluechip companies relating to workplace wellbeing and stress management.

Joy Reymond is the head of rehabilitation services at Unum, an income protection company. She is a trained clinical psychologist and is currently responsible for the provision of vocational services to Unum's clients and their employees.

Kate Lester is the managing director of Diamond Logistics, as well as a certified clinical hypnotherapist and neuro-linguistic practitioner. She works with staff to manage stress and improve communication and motivation.

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