This week (3–7 November) marks Stress Awareness Week, and it’s a timely reminder of just how important it is to recognise, manage and prevent work-related stress. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to protect employees from stress at work by doing everything reasonably practicable to manage the risks.
Why it matters
The latest HSE figures show that in 2023–2024, 776,000 workers reported stress, depression or anxiety that was caused or made worse by work. This resulted in an estimated 16.4 million working days lost across the UK.
Work-related stress doesn’t just affect individuals — it impacts teams, productivity, and overall workplace culture. When stress is not managed effectively, it can lead to burnout, long-term illness, and high staff turnover. Taking early, proactive steps to identify and reduce stress not only protects wellbeing, but also helps retain experienced staff and supports a positive, productive environment.
Understanding work-related stress
Stress is the body’s reaction to excessive pressure or demands. While some pressure can help motivate and focus us, too much can be overwhelming. Everyone experiences stress differently — what feels manageable for one person may feel unmanageable for another.
Common causes of work-related stress can include:
- Unmanageable workloads or unrealistic deadlines
- Lack of support or unclear job roles
- Poor communication or conflict within teams
- Major change or uncertainty in the workplace
- Insufficient recognition or control over how work is done
Employers’ responsibilities
Under health and safety law, employers must assess the risks of work-related stress and take steps to prevent or reduce them. The HSE advises that stress should be managed in the same way as any other workplace hazard — through risk assessment, open communication, and appropriate support.
The HSE’s Working Minds campaign provides free resources to help employers and managers take action. These include:
- A Stress Talking Toolkit, designed to help start conversations and identify causes of stress early
- Free online learning, offering guidance on how to prevent, recognise and respond to stress in the workplace
You can access these resources at www.hse.gov.uk/workingminds.
What we can all do
Good work and good mental health go hand in hand. Whether you’re a manager or a team member, everyone can play a part in reducing stress at work:
- Check in regularly with colleagues — a simple “how are you doing?” can make a big difference.
- Encourage openness about mental health — remove the stigma by talking about it.
- Be realistic about workloads and deadlines.
- Promote balance — encourage breaks, annual leave, and flexible working where possible.
- Look after yourself — notice when your own stress levels are rising and seek support early.
Further resources
To find out more about managing work-related stress and supporting mental health in the workplace, visit:
HSE Working Minds campaign
Stress Awareness Week
