The sentence tells you that a relationship exists between concerns for the well-being of employees and the challenges of financial shortfalls. The two are being contrasted, so a reasonable prediction would be stress. Scanning the answers, you'll notice choice (B) tension, which is a synonym for stress, fits perfectly. Choice (A) affinity is the opposite of the prediction. Choice (C) uneasiness is close but does not address the conflict between the two concerns as well as tension. Choices (D) trepidation and (E) dejection are too negatively charged for this context; nothing in the sentence indicates that the business owner is frightened or sad, respectively.