Understanding the impact of stress at work
Understanding the impact of stress at work
Work-related stress is a serious issue that affects both individuals and businesses. In 2024/25, 964,000 workers experienced work-related stress, depression, or anxiety, leading to 22.1 million working days lost.
Source: Health and Safety Executive (2025). Work-related stress, depression or anxiety statistics in Great Britain.
The good news is that work-related stress is preventable. By recognising the signs and taking practical action early, both employers and workers can make a significant difference in reducing and preventing stress.
What is work-related stress?
HSE defines stress as “a harmful reaction that people have to undue pressures and demands placed on them at work.”
Stress can affect both mental and physical health and impact performance at work. Everyone experiences stress differently, and factors such as skills, experience, age, or disability can all influence how stress affects someone.
Employer responsibilities
Employers have a legal duty to protect workers from stress at work. This means you must:
- Assess stress risks: Identify potential stressors and who may be affected.
- Take action to reduce risks: Implement practical measures, such as adjusting workloads, improving communication, or offering additional support.
For more detailed guidance, check out our Stress Risk Assessment template.
The HSE Management Standards
There are six key areas of work design that can impact stress levels. These are known as the HSE Management Standards, which employers should actively manage:
- Demands – Workload, work patterns, and the work environment.
- Control – The degree of control workers have over their work.
- Support – The support workers receive from managers and colleagues.
- Relationships – Promoting positive relationships at work.
- Role – Understanding of job role and responsibilities.
- Change – Managing and communicating change effectively.
By addressing these areas, employers can better identify, understand, and manage stress in the workplace.
How to manage stress in the workplace
- Carry out a risk assessment
All employers must assess the risk of stress at work. Use our Stress Risk Assessment template to identify causes of stress and plan actions to reduce them. - Make practical changes
Once stress risks are identified, take prompt action. Simple changes like clearer roles, manageable workloads, better communication, job design adjustments, and flexible working, can make a significant difference. - Promote open conversations
Use our Stress Talking Toolkit to start conversations about work-related stress. Encourage workers to discuss their concerns and ensure they know what support and resources are available to them. - Monitor and review
Regularly check in with workers and review your actions to ensure they’re working effectively. Keeping stress prevention as part of everyday management will help create a healthier, more productive workplace.
Remember: Work-related stress is manageable.
Being proactive and taking action early makes a real difference. By supporting your workforce, promoting open conversations, and implementing practical changes, you can reduce stress and improve mental health at work.
For additional support, check out our Stress Talking Toolkit and register for our Risk Assessment module to help assess and manage stress risks more effectively.