Many UK businesses now have strategies in place to deal with stress at work, a new survey has revealed.

The research from the Institute of Directors - released to coincide with National Stress Awareness Day - shows that 58 per cent of IoD members have no experience of their staff suffering from stress.

And 76 per cent say they have increased training and support to deal with the problem of stress at work.

Stakeholder Response: Institute of Directors

Richard Wilson, head of business policy at the IoD, said: "Excessive workloads, management style and organisational changes at work can result in stress at work. However, most IoD members are now taking stress seriously and are adopting sensible approaches to reduce pressure on employees. Also, the survey shows that 65 per cent of employers do not think the problem is worsening.

"Our survey shows that most IoD members are helping their employees to marry their commitment to work and home life more easily, thereby enabling businesses to operate efficiently.

"There will be times when work is stressful – but it is even more stressful not to have a job. Employment promotes self-respect, a sense of identify and social contact. Employers have a right to expect their staff to be committed to their jobs but they in turn have a responsibility to ensure that workloads are manageable."

Stakeholder Response: Federation of Small Businesses

Mary Boughton, FSB health and safety chairman, said: "Some 80 per cent of small firms employ less than five workers and 96 per cent have less than 20 employees. Small employers characteristically work closer to their employees and have a greater personal relationships with them. They are as a consequence much more likely to pick up on any potential problems relating to stress.