Blog

21 JUN 2023

Managing Workplace Stress: 5 Strategies for Employers to Enhance Workforce Wellbeing

Workplace stress is a significant issue leading to lost productivity and negative impacts on employees' mental health.

Notice: Undefined index: info in /home1/onlyfe/public_html/article.php on line 46

In the UK, stress, depression, and anxiety result in the highest number of lost working days. Employers have a crucial role to play in effectively managing stress and promoting employee wellbeing.  A study from AXA UK and the Centre for Business and Economic Research found an estimated £28 billion was lost last year as a result of poor mental health at work. The majority of this is down to lost working days due to stress and burnout, with businesses losing 23.3 million working days.

Here are five key strategies for employers to manage stress in the workplace:

  • Foster open conversations: Encourage open and honest discussions about stress and mental health to reduce stigma. Empower employees and managers to address stress-related issues openly.
  • Recognise signs of stress: Be vigilant in identifying symptoms of stress and burnout among employees. Changes in behaviour, motivation, and performance can be warning signs that require timely intervention.
  • Promote a culture of wellbeing: Go beyond token gestures and integrate wellbeing into the company culture. Support employees in achieving their physical, social, community, and mental goals. Adopt frameworks like the 'Mental Health at Work Commitment' to provide a roadmap for better mental health.
  • Equip managers with tools: Provide managers with the necessary resources and training to recognise and address stress. Clear expectations, approachability, and support are essential for helping employees manage their stress levels.
  • Offer mental health tools and support: Provide employees with mental health tools and resources such as wellness action plans and counselling services. Explore employee assistance programs and seek support from relevant organisations, including trade unions.

Employers also have a legal duty to assess and manage risks related to stress in the workplace. While smaller companies may not require a written risk assessment, larger organisations must complete and share these assessments with their employees.

By implementing these strategies, employers can effectively manage workplace stress, enhance employee wellbeing, and create a more productive and supportive work environment.