Work related stress continues to be one of the most significant challenges facing modern workplaces. As work demands increase, and working habits evolve, employers and employees are recognising the importance of managing and reducing stress to maintain both productivity and long-term health.

The Current Picture

The latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that work-related stress, depression and anxiety remain the leading cause of work-related ill health in the UK.

• 964,000 workers experienced work-related stress, depression or anxiety in 2024/5
• 1 million working days were lost due to work-related ill health in 2024/5
• Workplace injuries and new illness cases cost the UK economy £22.9 billion in 2023/4

These statistics show that stress at work is not only a health concern but a major economic and organisational risk.

Organisational Impact of Unmanaged Stress

When stress at work goes unaddressed, it can have a serious impact on both employees and the organisation. People who feel overwhelmed often struggle to concentrate, make decisions, or maintain consistent performance. Overtime this can reduce productivity and slow down everyday operations, as tasks may take longer or need to be repeated. Unmanaged stress can also affect how teams communicate and work together, which can impact the overall atmosphere at work.

Beyond productivity and cost, stress also affects retention. Employees who fee unsupported or consistently overwhelmed are more likely to leave their jobs, meaning employers face recruitment costs, training time and the loss of valuable experience. Together, these factors show that managing workplace stress isn’t just a priority, it’s essential for maintaining a healthy, stable, and successful organisation.

What Can Employers Do?

Creating a supportive working environment is key to reducing stress and preventing long-term absence. Effective strategies include:

1. Carry Out Stress Risk Assessments

Employers have a legal responsibility under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to assess and control risks to employee health, including psychological risks. A stress risk assessment helps identify issues related to workload, communication, job design, and work relationships.

2. Improve Workload Planning

Setting clear expectations, supporting prioritisation, and ensuring a reasonable workload distribution all help reduce feelings of overwhelm.

3. Invest in Manager Training

Managers should be equipped to:

• Spot early signs of stress
• Initiate supportive, judgement and stigma-free conversations
• Help employees set healthy boundaries

4. Foster a Positive, and Open Culture

Encouraging open discussions about wellbeing and creating a mentally safe environment helps employees raise concern before they become larger issues.

5. Provide Early Access to Occupational Health Support

Occupational health can support organisations by providing:

• Stress assessments
• Return-to-work guidance
• DSE (display screen equipment) and ergonomic assessments
• Functional capacity assessments
• Mental wellbeing support pathways
• Consistent advice and reports for managers and employees

Early intervention prevents escalation and supports long-term health.

What To Do if You Feel Stressed at Work

1. Speak to someone you trust about how you’re feeling

Opening up to a manger, HR representative, or a supportive colleague can help you share what’s going on before the stress becomes overwhelming. Reaching out early can make it easier to adjust your workload, and access guidance.

2. Take regular short breaks to reduce both mental and physical strain

Short, frequent breaks, even just standing up and stretching or stepping away from your desk can help lower stress levels and prevent physical discomfort.

3. Set clear boundaries between work and personal time

In hybrid or remote settings, it can be tempting to keep checking emails or working beyond your normal hours. Creating a clear start and end time to your day and silencing notifications outside this can help your brain switch off, reduce pressure, and support better rest and recovery.

4. Use available tools, adjustments, or any workplace support available

If you notice your workload, workspace, or tasks are contributing to your stress, ask whether any adjustments can be made. This might include changes to your schedule, equipment, desk setup or the physical tasks you’re asked to do.

5. Recognise when stress is impacting your life

If you notice that stress is affecting your sleep, mood, energy, or relationships, it’s a sign that you may need additional help or workplace changes. Remember that stress is not a personal failure or weakness, it’s a serious health issue that can be managed with the right support and strategies.

Final Thoughts

Workplace stress is a complex issue, but it also manageable with the right approach. Employers who invest in early intervention, good job design, manager training, and ergonomic support create environments where their teams can thrive, not just cope. We work with organisations to create safer, healthier and more productive workplaces. Our goal is simple: to support people at work by reducing stressors, improving comfort and function, and promoting a culture of wellbeing.