Workplace Stress Awareness: Managing and Reducing Stress for a Healthier Workforce
Overview
April marks Stress Awareness Month – a national campaign dedicated to increasing understanding of stress, its impact, and the ways we can better manage it. For Fusion Occupational Health, this is a vital opportunity to support both employers and employees in recognising, responding to, and reducing
Understanding the Impact of Workplace Stress
Work-related stress is a growing challenge. Defined by the HSE as “the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them at work,” it affects nearly 776,000 UK workers each year. Stress contributes to nearly half of all work-related ill health cases and results in over 33 million lost working days annually. The cost to UK employers is estimated at a staggering £45 billion a year.
Stress can stem from a range of factors: unrealistic workloads, unclear roles, poor working relationships, and job insecurity among them. Its effects are wide-reaching – from physical symptoms like fatigue and headaches to emotional struggles, reduced focus, and declining productivity. Importantly, workplace stress affects employers too, with financial strain, high turnover, and compliance pressures adding to the load.
The HSE’s Working Minds Campaign: A Framework for Employers
Employers have a legal and ethical responsibility to manage stress. The HSE’s “Working Minds” campaign outlines five key steps:
- Reach out and start conversations
- Recognise the signs and causes of stress
- Respond to identified risks
- Reflect on actions taken
- Make it routine
This framework encourages organisations to treat stress like any other health and safety risk, embedding stress prevention into workplace culture. Practical strategies include:
- Regular stress risk assessments
- Promoting flexible working where possible
- Providing clear roles and responsibilities
- Training managers in mental health awareness
- Offering Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and peer support schemes
Tips for Employees: Managing Stress Day-to-Day
For individuals, recognising and managing stress early is key. Helpful techniques include:
- Identifying personal stress triggers
- Practising mindfulness or breathing exercises
- Taking regular breaks and avoiding presenteeism
- Talking to someone you trust
- Looking after physical health: sleep, diet, and exercise
Trusted resources like NHS Every Mind Matters, Mind, and ACAS offer valuable guidance and support.
Looking Ahead: Trends in Workplace Wellbeing
Organisations are increasingly adopting holistic wellbeing strategies that go beyond mental health. These include:
- Flexible and hybrid working
- Wellbeing tech (e.g., mindfulness apps)
- Financial wellbeing support
- Health screenings and lifestyle campaigns
- Social connection initiatives
By making wellbeing a priority, businesses foster resilience, improve retention, and create a positive culture.
Fusion’s Services: Practical Support for Managing Stress
At Fusion Occupational Health, we support employers and employees through a range of services designed to improve mental health in the workplace:
- Workplace stress risk assessments tailored to your organisation
- Manager training on mental health awareness and stress recognition
- Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and peer support strategies
- Occupational health surveillance to monitor and address work-related stress impacts
- Interactive webinars and workplace talks focused on stress awareness and coping strategies
Our stress-focused webinars are delivered online or face-to-face, with flexible timing and bespoke content tailored to your business needs. These sessions raise awareness, offer practical tools, and spark open conversations across teams
