Handling a stressful business environment

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Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for stress. Experts believe that a stressful and negative work environment de-motivates and directly affects the productivity of the entire workforce.

"In the business environment, there's far more to business than merely the selling of goods or services. While success in this regard is obviously essential to the survival of any company, financial and business pressures often mean that owners of small and medium sized businesses, in particular, have to wear many hats," says Sanjeev Orie, head of Products at FNB Business Banking.

Role of banks

"The role of banks in helping to build a solid business does not merely involve processing finance applications from business owners. Access to affordable finance is just one key pillar that can make or break your business," explains Orie. The vast majority of business owners, whether they are starting up a new company or expanding an existing one, need practical support, guidance and assistance in the administrative, compliance and day-to-day operational function of their companies.

"Our ultimate goal is to empower small and medium enterprises to flourish and contribute towards South Africa's economic growth. We also recognised that access to finance was potentially a limiting factor in the success and growth of our SME clients. As a result, we deliberately strive to take a partnership and education based approach to our business finance offerings so that clients understand the prerequisites of the funding process," says Orie.

"A holistic business philosophy is the best approach, and often the only way to ensure that greater numbers of the country's SME owners come to understand that finance is not something to be feared, but rather an effective enabler of sustainable business profitability and growth," concludes Orie.