The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is alerting the country that work-related stress is a serious issue that affects both individuals and businesses, with 964,000 workers experiencing work-related stress, depression, or anxiety, leading to 22.1 million working days lost in in 2024/25.

However, the HSE says the good news is that work-related stress is preventable –by recognising the signs and taking practical action early, both employers and workers can make a significant difference in reducing and preventing stress.

The HSE defines stress as “a harmful reaction that people have to undue pressures and demands placed on them at work”, and it can affect both mental and physical health and impact performance at work. Everyone experiences stress differently, and factors such as skills, experience, age, or disability can all influence how stress affects someone.

Employers have a legal duty to protect workers from stress at work, meaning they must:

• Assess stress risks – identify potential stressors and who may be affected
• Take action to reduce risks – implement practical measures, such as adjusting workloads, improving communication or offering additional support.

For more detailed guidance, check out the HSE’s Stress Risk Assessment template.