Britain's small business sector is more prone than other sectors to suffer from a poor work-life balance.

Research from Bibby Financial Services shows that 98% of small business owners and managers report feeling stressed at work.

Over a quarter of those surveyed said they felt under pressure from three-quarters to all of the time.

"Many entrepreneurs go it alone because they want to be their own boss; however, it's vital they retain a work-life balance for themselves," said David Robertson, chief executive at Bibby.

"Not only does it make sound personal sense, but a positive work-life balance delivers a number of business benefits, including increased staff loyalty, greater motivation of employees, reduced absenteeism, attraction and retention of a talented workforce and improved customer service."

Current estimates from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development state the cost of stress to businesses ranges from £5billion to £11billion each year.

It affects companies in the form of high staff turnover, absenteeism, reduced work performance and impaired productivity.

Entrepreneurs who have just started their own business, in particular, face the additional stresses of isolation and a lack of support structures, along with financial worries.

The Bibby results coincide with recent National Statistics figures showing UK workers are spending on average 23 minutes longer at work than they did a year ago.

The UK has also seen mental problems surpass physical ailments as the main cause of long-term illness.

Common warning signs of excessive stress levels are irritability, insomnia and difficulty concentrating. Long-term sufferers can see these symptoms metamorphose into serious physical ailments, such as migraines, nausea and ulcers.

"To work effectively and efficiently during time at the office it's vital to remember your castle is your home and not the office." Robertson said.

Stress at work is also top of the agenda at a special conference organised by charity Working Families in London today. Research published by the organisation shows how implementing flexible working practices can reduce absence levels.

Almost half of firms questioned said absence rates had fallen during the last 12 months.

Allowing staff to chose where and when they want to work and other flexible working options was cited as the "most effective tool" for dealing with absenteeism.