Stress Awareness Week
Nov 7 2025 9:13AM
Stress awareness week is a time dedicated to raising awareness of stress management and promoting wellbeing.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers must assess risks and take reasonably practicable steps to prevent harm — including from stress.
In 2023/24, HSE statistics show that 776,000 workers reported suffering from work-related stress, depression or anxiety. This accounted for nearly half of all self-reported work-related ill health and led to an estimated 16.4 million working days lost over the same period.
It’s not just about responding when problems arise. It’s about taking proactive steps to understand the pressures your employees face and acting on what you find. Failing to manage stress effectively can also result in reduced productivity and higher staff turnover.
What employers can do to help this week:
- Review your stress risk assessment – is it relevant to how your team works?
- Open discussions regarding stress including demand, control, support & relationships
- Watch out for early signs like increased absence, reduced performance, conflict.
- Signpost the working minds online modules and training to support employees.
- Normalise these conversations!
Taking simple, reasonable steps not only protects your employees – it helps you meet your legal obligations and build a healthier, more resilient workforce.
HSEs working minds campaign is based on 5 steps – the 5 R’s:
- Reach out and start the conversation
- Recognise – spot the signs and causes of stress
- Respond – agree actions and make changes
- Reflect – review what is working, and what could be changed
- Make it routine – embed wellbeing into everyday life
Free tools to help:
- Share Working Minds posters with your teams
- Talk about stress at team meetings and one-to-ones
- Encourage others to try the free online learning regarding stress
- Use the Stress Indicator Tool to gather anonymous team feedback
More information available on HSE website.