The first week in November marks International Stress Awareness Week (3rd to 7th November), with National Stress Awareness Day on Wednesday 5th.
For employers, it’s an opportunity to pause and think about stress in the workplace – and more importantly, to take action. The HSE defines work-related stress as ‘the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them.’ Left unmanaged, stress can impact wellbeing, performance, staff retention, and even increase the risk of accidents or health issues.
Employers have a legal duty to protect employees from stress at work, just as they do for physical risks. This means assessing the risk of stress-related ill health and taking steps to control it.
Here are a few practical actions employers can take:
Spot the signs early – look for changes in behaviour, mood, productivity or attendance
Review working conditions – unclear roles, excessive workloads, tight deadlines or lack of control can drive stress
Train managers to recognise stress and respond supportively, not dismissively
Promote healthy habits – encourage breaks, movement, good sleep and time off
Open communication and support pathways – let people talk safely, adjust workloads, or access wellbeing services
Stress management isn’t a ‘nice extra’ – it’s an essential part of a healthy, resilient workplace.
Safewell offers both online and face-to-face Mental Health and Wellbeing training, helping managers and teams build confidence in recognising and managing stress at work.
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