Workplace Stress (and What Employers Can Do About It)

Stress. It’s something we all deal with now and then, but for many UK workers, it’s becoming more than just the odd tough day—it’s a regular part of working life. And if you're running a business or leading a team, it’s something worth paying serious attention to.

So, what’s going on?

Recent figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that stress, depression, and anxiety account for over half of all work-related ill health cases in the UK. Half! That’s huge.

And let’s be honest—it’s not hard to see why. We’ve got post-pandemic pressure, cost-of-living worries, workloads that never seem to shrink, and in many places, fewer people doing more jobs.

It’s no longer just about burnout in high-stakes corporate roles. Stress is creeping into all corners of working life, from frontline roles to small teams and everything in between.

But here’s the good news:

Employers have a real opportunity to make a difference. And it doesn’t require a massive budget or a shiny wellbeing programme. It just takes a bit of intention, consistency, and care.

Here are a few practical ways to start.

1. Talk about it (properly)

Creating a workplace where people can be honest about stress without fear of judgment is powerful. Encourage open chats in one-to-ones. Let your team know it’s okay not to be okay. And most importantly—listen. Really listen.

2. Review workloads

This one’s simple in theory, harder in practice—but so important. Check in on what people are actually juggling. Are expectations realistic? Are deadlines always tight? Could tasks be shared differently?

Even just acknowledging the pressure and working together on a plan can ease the load.

3. Train your managers

Managers are often the first line of support—but many don’t feel confident spotting the signs of stress or knowing what to do next. Give them the tools, training, and backing they need to support their teams well.

4. Encourage proper breaks

And no, we don’t mean scrolling emails over lunch. Encourage real, screen-free downtime. Promote lunch breaks, walking meetings, and the idea that it’s totally okay to log off on time.

If your culture rewards ‘being always on’, people will burn out faster than you think.

5. Be flexible where you can

A bit of flexibility goes a long way. Whether it’s remote working, adjusted hours, or simply being understanding when life happens—giving people more autonomy helps reduce stress and increase trust.

6. Signpost to support

Make sure your team knows where to turn if they’re struggling. Whether it’s an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), mental health first aider, or external support line—remind people that help is available and confidential.

7. Lead by example

If you’re a business owner or manager, your actions set the tone. If you're sending emails at midnight, never taking time off, or brushing off stress as “just part of the job”—your team will follow suit.

Model healthy habits and show that looking after your wellbeing is not just allowed, it’s encouraged.

Final thoughts

Workplace stress isn’t something we can fix overnight, but we can absolutely start making small changes today. Because when your people feel supported, safe, and seen they do their best work. And your business is all the better for it.

Fancy a chat about how to make your workplace a little less stressful and a lot more human? I’m always happy to help.