Stress Awareness Month: Managing Stress in the Workplace
April is Stress Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness of the causes and cures of stress. At Hazelton Mountford, we recognise that while insurance centres around mitigating risks, one of the most overlooked risks in any organisation is workplace stress.
According to Mental Health UK, 9 out of 10 adults in the UK have experienced high or extreme levels of pressure or stress at some point in the past year. Almost a third of people report that work, in general, makes them feel stressed, and more than a quarter say that workload demands cause them stress.
Workplace stress not only impacts individual well-being but also affects the overall dynamics of a business, causing problems ranging from employee retention and engagement to productivity and health and safety risks.
Stress at Work
Workplace stress doesn’t just end with the workday, it can consume employees’ professional and personal lives. A recent survey revealed that 25% of UK workers report feeling unable to cope with workplace stress. This can lead to:
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- Burnout, anxiety, and long-term health issues such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
- Workplace accidents resulting from fatigue or reduced focus.
- Lower productivity and increased absence.
- Higher employee turnover and a negative workplace culture.
- An increase in workers’ compensation claims due to stress-related incidents.
Read the full Burnout Report 2025 here.
Identifying potential triggers
Stress can arise from a variety of work-related issues, including:
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- Job insecurity or the fear of voicing concerns.
- Unmanageable workloads or constant on-call expectations.
- Inadequate training, insufficient tools, or improper equipment to perform job duties safely.
- Conflicts with clients, colleagues, or supervisors.
- Inflexible scheduling or insufficient breaks.
- Physically demanding work or tasks that may lead to injuries.
As an organisation, adjustments can be implemented to help reduce workplace stress and maintain a safe, happy working environment.
Employer strategies to reduce workplace stress
Maintain a supportive workplace culture: When leadership promotes mental health and well-being, organisations can build a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing any issues and seeking help. Managers should model healthy work practices and demonstrate that a positive work environment is emphasised throughout the organisation. They should be aware that employees also may have significant demands outside of work that they are trying to manage.
Uphold policies that aim to reduce stress. Workplace policies should prohibit discrimination, harassment and bullying, as these behaviours can negatively impact employee mental health. Policies should also require that reports of discrimination, harassment and bullying be taken seriously and investigated immediately.
Provide mental health resources: Offer resources such as Employee Assistance Programs that provides access to mental health services such as counselling and peer support groups, ensuring that your team knows help is available.
Create a safe working environment: Safety encompasses more than just physical aspects. Having clear protocols, well-maintained equipment, and designated breaks contributes to a secure workspace. Educate your team not only on job-related skills but also on self-care, mental health awareness, and techniques for reducing stress. Employers should be sufficiently trained on how to perform their jobs safely.
Provide clarity and flexibility: Clearly define job expectations, provide flexibility and allow meaningful time off, including mental health days. Acknowledge employees’ efforts and provide real opportunities for growth. A small gesture of appreciation can significantly alleviate workplace stress.
Supporting and reducing work-related stress is vital to individual well-being and operational success. By taking action to promote mental health, business leaders can create safe and healthy work environments while improving job performance, reducing stress and mitigating organisations’ risks.
While navigating insurance can often feel overwhelming, Hazelton Mountford is here to simplify the process and help you mitigate workplace risks with tailored stress-free solutions.