BUSINESSES should consider introducing codes of practice to stop mobile phones and email causing stress.

Wiltshire human resources experts Crescent HR say that repetitive interruption by mobiles and constant junk email are serious causes of work-related stress in the office.

Crescent HR partner Stuart Whant said: "The demands of mobile phones and email are now major causes of concern.

"They are affecting workplace efficiency and productivity.

"It is ironic that the very gadgets invented to make our lives easier are now a main cause of stress and strain in the workplace."

A survey of 600 office workers revealed they believed that stress levels increase because of mobiles.

This was true whether it was their own or a colleague's going off, and by the onslaught of emails.

Mr Whant said: "Businesses can only address the problem by having properly laid down guidelines for staff to follow when it comes to dealing with people on the mobile or through emails."