News
October 13, 2025
Employers urged to take action to tackle work-related stress
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is urging employers to take practical steps to address work-related stress
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is issuing a strong call to action for employers across the UK: tackle work-related stress head-on. The HSE is emphasizing the critical need for businesses to implement practical measures to protect the mental well-being of their employees, highlighting the significant impact stress can have on both individual health and overall productivity.
Work-related stress is a growing concern, contributing to a range of issues from absenteeism and reduced performance to more serious mental health problems like anxiety and depression. The HSE's urging comes as a response to increasing evidence demonstrating the prevalence and consequences of workplace stress, impacting various sectors and employee demographics.
The HSE is not simply raising awareness; they are advocating for concrete steps. These measures include identifying potential stressors within the workplace, such as excessive workloads, lack of control over tasks, poor communication, and difficult working relationships. Once these stressors are identified, employers are encouraged to implement strategies to mitigate their impact.
These strategies can be diverse and tailored to the specific needs of the organization and its employees. Examples include promoting open communication channels where employees feel comfortable raising concerns, providing training for managers to better support their teams, implementing flexible working arrangements where possible, and ensuring employees have access to resources such as employee assistance programs.
The HSE emphasizes that addressing work-related stress is not just a matter of legal compliance, although employers do have a legal duty to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. It is also a matter of good business practice. A workforce that is supported and feels valued is more likely to be engaged, productive, and resilient.
Ignoring the issue of work-related stress can have significant consequences for businesses, including increased staff turnover, higher recruitment costs, and potential legal action. By proactively addressing the root causes of stress and creating a supportive work environment, employers can not only protect the well-being of their employees but also improve their bottom line. The HSE is encouraging employers to view mental health as a core component of workplace safety and to integrate stress management into their overall health and safety policies.
Work-related stress is a growing concern, contributing to a range of issues from absenteeism and reduced performance to more serious mental health problems like anxiety and depression. The HSE's urging comes as a response to increasing evidence demonstrating the prevalence and consequences of workplace stress, impacting various sectors and employee demographics.
The HSE is not simply raising awareness; they are advocating for concrete steps. These measures include identifying potential stressors within the workplace, such as excessive workloads, lack of control over tasks, poor communication, and difficult working relationships. Once these stressors are identified, employers are encouraged to implement strategies to mitigate their impact.
These strategies can be diverse and tailored to the specific needs of the organization and its employees. Examples include promoting open communication channels where employees feel comfortable raising concerns, providing training for managers to better support their teams, implementing flexible working arrangements where possible, and ensuring employees have access to resources such as employee assistance programs.
The HSE emphasizes that addressing work-related stress is not just a matter of legal compliance, although employers do have a legal duty to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. It is also a matter of good business practice. A workforce that is supported and feels valued is more likely to be engaged, productive, and resilient.
Ignoring the issue of work-related stress can have significant consequences for businesses, including increased staff turnover, higher recruitment costs, and potential legal action. By proactively addressing the root causes of stress and creating a supportive work environment, employers can not only protect the well-being of their employees but also improve their bottom line. The HSE is encouraging employers to view mental health as a core component of workplace safety and to integrate stress management into their overall health and safety policies.
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Politics