Employers Guide: Managing Work-Related Stress

4th February 2026

Work‑Related Stress is an issue that continues to impact organisations across the UK.

With Blue Monday now behind us and daylight gradually returning, it is a good time to review how your organisation identifies, manages, and reduces the risks associated with this issue.

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A Growing Concern for Employers

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently published its 2024–2025 statistics, showing a continued rise in work‑related stress, depression and anxiety. This trend has persisted since the pandemic and remains one of the most significant causes of work‑related ill‑health.

As employers, understanding these risks and taking action is essential – not only for compliance, but for creating healthy, productive workplaces where staff feel supported.

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Your Legal Duties

Employers have responsibilities under The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. These require employers to assess and manage workplace risks, including those related to stress.

To support this, we recommend applying the following HSE Management Standards, which focus on six areas proven to influence wellbeing at work:

The Six Management Standards

• Demands: workload, work patterns and work environment
• Control: how much say people have over their work
• Support: resources, encouragement and guidance
• Relationships: promoting positive working and addressing conflict
• Role: clear responsibilities with no conflicting expectations
• Change: how organisational change is communicated and managed

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A Practical Framework: The 5 Rs

The HSE’s Working Minds campaign also outlines a simple, proactive approach that organisations can use to help prevent stress:

1. Reach Out – Start conversations early
2. Recognise – Identify potential causes and early signs
3. Respond – Agree actions and adjust work where needed
4. Reflect – Review what’s working through ongoing monitoring
5. Routine – Embed wellbeing into everyday processes

Making wellbeing an organisational routine helps prevent issues from escalating and supports positive culture change.

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Tools and Support for Employers

There are several practical steps organisations can take to manage stress more effectively:

✅ Stress‑Related Absence

Whether issues stem from work or personal circumstances, addressing stress‑related absence sensitively is crucial. Our team can support you with planning and holding these difficult conversations.

✅ Risk Assessments

We can provide templates and advice to help you complete a Stress at Work Risk Assessment. If you need support, contact us at peopleservices@gcvs.org.uk.

✅ HSE Talking Toolkits

These talking toolkits help managers have constructive discussions with staff around the six Management Standards.

✅ Mobile/Remote Working Policies

Clear expectations around switching off are essential to prevent digital overload and protect work‑life balance.

✅ Support for Employees

Signposting to wellbeing resources, providing access to mental health support, and encouraging open discussions can make a significant difference.

GCVS also provides a range of resources through our Health & Safety Service, and the HSE and Mental Health UK offer further helpful guidance.

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Key Points to Remember

• Employers have a duty of care to protect staff from work‑related stress.
• Common causes include workload, lack of control, limited support and poor workplace relationships.
• Using the HSE Management Standards helps identify and address potential risks.
• Staff should feel safe discussing stress, and organisations should have clear processes for responding.
• Prolonged stress impacts health, productivity and wellbeing—early intervention is key.

If a member of staff raises concerns about stress, it’s important to take this seriously, respond promptly, and work together to identify the right support.

More support

For specific advice, templates or guidance, please contact peopleservices@gcvs.org.uk.

This content was written by our team, with AI tools used only to support review and refinement.