- Work-related stress remains one of the leading causes of work-related ill health in Great Britain
- HSE is encouraging employers and managers to take practical action during Stress Awareness Week through its Working Minds campaign
- Free tools, guidance and resources are available to help employers identify and address the causes of stress
As Stress Awareness Week begins, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is encouraging employers and managers to take practical action to prevent and manage work-related stress.
Work-related stress remains one of the leading causes of work-related ill health in Great Britain. Left unaddressed, it can affect workers’ health and wellbeing, increase sickness absence and impact workplace performance.
The good news is that small actions can make a big difference. Whether it’s starting a conversation, reviewing workplace pressures or making use of available support, every workplace can take steps to reduce stress and support good mental health.
Many employers still do not realise that they must assess and manage the risks of work-related stress in the same way as other workplace health and safety risks. Identifying the causes of stress, assessing who may be affected and taking action to eliminate or control risks are important steps in protecting workers’ health and preventing harm.
Through its Working Minds campaign, HSE is encouraging employers and managers to take action using the 5Rs approach:
Reach Out – Start conversations about stress and mental wellbeing.
Recognise – Understand the signs and causes of stress.
Respond – Take action to address concerns and support workers.
Reflect – Review what is working and where improvements can be made.
Make it Routine – Embed good practice into everyday working life.
HSE is also highlighting its Management Standards approach, which helps employers identify and address six key areas of work that can contribute to stress if they are not managed effectively:
- Demands
- Control
- Support
- Relationships
- Role
- Change
By understanding these factors, engaging with workers and assessing associated risks, organisations can identify potential issues and take action before they affect health and productivity.
Kayleigh Roberts, HSE’s Work-Related Stress Policy Lead, said:
“Work-related stress is a health and safety issue. Employers should assess the risks of stress, and its impact on mental and physical ill-health, in the same way they assess other work-related health and safety risks.
By understanding the causes of stress, engaging with workers and taking action to eliminate or control risks, employers can help create workplaces where people feel supported, valued and able to perform at their best.
Stress Awareness Week is a valuable opportunity for employers and managers to review what they are doing, start conversations with workers and take practical steps to prevent work-related stress.”
HSE’s Working Minds campaign provides a range of free tools, guidance and resources, including the Talking Toolkit, Stress Indicator Tool, online learning modules and downloadable guidance materials.
During Stress Awareness Week, employers should:
- If necessary, review their stress risk assessment and ensure it reflects current workplace risks, identifying where further action may be needed to eliminate or control those risks.
- Use the Talking Toolkit to have structured conversations with workers.
- Discuss the six Management Standards areas with their teams.
- Encourage managers to access Working Minds training and resources.
- Consider how the 5Rs can be embedded into everyday workplace practices.
While Stress Awareness Week provides a valuable focus, preventing and managing work-related stress should remain a priority throughout the year. Regular conversations, meaningful engagement with workers, effective risk assessment and action to eliminate or control workplace risks can help build healthier, more productive and more resilient workplaces.
For free tools, guidance and resources, visit the Working Minds campaign.
Further information:
- Employers have a legal duty to assess and manage risks to workers’ health, including risks to mental health.
- The Working Minds campaign provides free resources, including the Talking Toolkit, Stress Indicator Tool, Management Standards guidance and online learning modules.
- Stress Awareness Week takes place from 2-6 November 2026.
- For interview requests, case studies or further information, contact the HSE Press Office at [email protected].