Q One of my employees has recently handed in a sick-note stating they are suffering from work-related stress, and will be off for an undetermined amount of time. Their job is fairly stressful, unfortunately unavoidably so, and I am concerned about their ability to cope when they do return.

What measures do you think I can take to ensure my staff do not suffer from work-related stress and what can I do to help this employee on their return?

A Some employees cope with stress better than others and you can usually see if an employee is becoming "stressed out" at work. If they cannot cope with the pressure of the job they are doing you must address this immediately. It is important to remember that if an employee is ill due to stress, do not add to the pressure. Give them time and they may come to the decision that the job is too stressful to return to. This gives you the option to perhaps offer them something else or at least to talk about where the stress load of the job can perhaps to eased.

Q I have recently expanded my business and have taken on more staff. Some of my employees during appraisals have requested extra training, some of which I do not feel is necessary in the immediate future, but which could be useful in the long run. The cost, in both monetary and man-hour terms, of training also concerns me. What is your opinion of ongoing staff training, and is it worth the money if it is not required immediately?

A Staff training is always important, but as employers we know it comes at a cost both in monetary terms and lost valuable man-hours. It is important to weigh the costs against the benefits. Is it possible for you to do internal training with more competent members of your team training the new recruits or can the training be done within the working environment allowing work and training to be done at the same time. You should also consider that training can boost staff morale and therefore increase productivity in the work place.

Q I have a business idea to set up a small company in the area, but am unsure about where to start. I really need all the basics; the idea is the only thing I have! Where can I get this advice on everything from staffing to accounts, and is any funding available to help people take their first steps in the business world?

A If you have a bank then go and have a chat with them. Many of the high street banks now have small business departments where they can offer a full range of advice and services. An idea is all well and good, but you will need a business plan. For example, you should have an idea of how much money you will need to get the business off the ground, how many people do you initially intend to employ, what kind of premises do you need and what turnover do you expect to make. You should make yourself a list of questions similar to these and try to fill in the answers as accurately as you can. I am sure that if you answer them honestly you will see if you have a feasible business idea or just a dream!

Q I am keen to expand my business with the introduction of selling my products over the Internet and to respond to email orders, but I am not sure how to set this up and then operate it in practice. I'm certain it will increase sales and will make my business more accessible. Do you have any advice?

A The Internet is an exciting business opportunity for selling goods and services. There are many companies who build and maintain web-sites and I am sure they would be happy to meet with you to discuss your needs. If you intend to allow people to pay for goods over the Internet you need to have a secure web-site as people will be inputting credit card information, again this is something a specialist company could advise you on.

Q Thanks to recent successes and expansion, I am now in a position to refurbish my office space, which currently has the employees working in separate rooms, for example accounts in one room, with customer services in another and so on. I can afford a complete revamp, but I am uncertain about whether to keep the offices as they are, because it is what people have got used to, or go for a new open-plan feel and have everyone working together. What would you suggest I do and why?

A I have operated my businesses from both an open plan and closed office aspect and there are benefits to both options. I have come to the conclusion that perhaps a mixture of both works best. Open plan in accounts departments is not really feasible as there a constant disturbances, ie phones ringing and general chit chatting, and when you are working with figures this can be a real annoyance. Anyone who has a job that requires full concentration will benefit from an enclosed office and they will obviously be more productive. Customers service departments work well in open plan, as do reception areas. If, as you say, you can refurbish your office space as you like, try a mixture of both as I think it will work very well for you.

Published: 17/06/2003