5 ways to manage stress in the workplace
Did you know that stress in the workplace costs the UK economy over £28 billion every year?
It’s easy to think of stress as a personal problem, but in the workplace, it quickly becomes a wider business issue. Left unmanaged, it can lead to burnout, absenteeism, and high staff turnover. For employers, recognising and tackling workplace stress is not just a duty of care; it’s vital to business success.
In this blog, we explore five practical ways to manage stress in the workplace, helping you create a healthier, more productive environment and improve how you're managing stress at work.
What Is Stress and Why Does It Matter?
Stress is the body’s response to pressure or perceived threats. In the workplace, common causes include unrealistic workloads, poor communication, lack of support, and financial insecurity.
Common signs of workplace stress:
- Trouble sleeping or constant fatigue
- Low mood or irritability
- Withdrawal from colleagues
- Drop in productivity or motivation
- Physical symptoms such as headaches or muscle tension
Recognising these signs early allows employers to act before employee stress escalates into a more serious mental health concern. But awareness is just the starting point.
To effectively reduce workplace stress, you need a clear, structured approach, starting with understanding where your business currently stands.
1. Audit Your Existing Wellbeing Strategy
Before introducing new initiatives, take stock of what you already offer. A wellbeing audit helps you evaluate support in key areas:
- Physical wellbeing – Are there health-focused benefits in place?
- Mental wellbeing – Is support for mental health visible and accessible?
- Financial wellbeing – Do employees have tools to manage financial stress?
A clear overview can reveal gaps and inform better ways of managing stress in your organisation.
Need help to do this? Download our Workplace Wellness Step-by-Step Guide to get started.
2. Promote Work-Life Balance
An imbalance between work and personal life is one of the leading causes of workplace stress. Employers can reduce this by:
- Offering flexible hours and remote work options
- Encouraging staff to take breaks and use their annual leave
- Setting clear expectations around after-hours communication
When employees feel trusted and supported, they’re better able to manage their employee stress levels and avoid burnout.
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3. Provide Mental Health Support
Supporting mental health is central to managing stress in the workplace. One effective tool is Mental Health First Aid training, which helps leaders and employees:
- Identify signs of emotional distress
- Offer support and refer to professional help
- Foster a culture of openness and empathy
Creating a safe environment to talk about employee stress and mental health makes a real difference.
4. Encourage Physical Activity
Exercise is a natural stress reliever. Even small amounts of physical activity can boost mood and energy.
Employers can promote movement by offering:
- Discounted gym memberships
- Cycle to Work schemes
- On-site fitness challenges or walking groups
These initiatives not only lower workplace stress but also contribute to a healthier, more engaged workforce.
5. Offer Financial Wellness Support
Money worries are a major source of employee stress, and they don’t disappear at work. Offering financial wellbeing support can help employees feel more in control of their personal finances.
Our Financial Wellbeing programme includes:
- Access to budgeting tools and financial education.
- A personalised Financial Health Checkup to highlight strengths, areas for improvement, and tailored recommendations.
- Help with debt management and savings planning.
Reducing financial stress is a crucial part of managing stress in a more holistic way.
Creating a Low-Stress Workplace That Works
Stress is part of working life, but it doesn’t have to overwhelm your team. By investing in mental, physical, and financial wellbeing, you’re not only supporting your employees but strengthening your entire organisation.
Start small, stay consistent, and keep listening. A healthier, less stressed workplace is well within reach.
