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April is Stress Awareness Month, so we're spotlighting proactive measures to reduce work-related pressures and build a positive, productive team.
HSE statistics show that "employees typically lose 15.8 work days each year due to poor mental health." Around half of all job-related ill health is linked to stress, anxiety, or depression – with significant financial implications for UK businesses.
Spotting the signs
Identifying and acting on the signs of employee stress is an essential part of your duty of care. Actions and behaviours that may signal stress in employees include:
- Increased absence
- Lateness
- Mood swings and agitation
- Being withdrawn
- Loss of motivation, commitment, and confidence
- Heightened emotional responses – such as tearfulness or aggression
Building a stress-aware workplace
Stress often stems from workers feeling overwhelmed or out of control. A culture of open communication – backed up by practical mental and physical health resources – can address the primary drivers of workplace stress.
The Health and Safety Executive's Working Minds campaign recommends a 'Five Rs' approach:
- Reach out: Start a conversation – the first step towards preventing work-related stress.
- Recognise: The signs of stress in individuals and teams.
- Respond: Work with employees to agree on action points and solutions.
- Reflect: Monitor and review the actions you've taken.
- Make it routine: Ask how people are and check in regularly about mental health and stress.
Last updated
April 10, 2025
Opus Safety
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