National Stress Awareness Day: Addressing Workplace Stress through Effective Health and Safety Practices

Today, 6 November, marks National Stress Awareness Day. This day is dedicated to understanding and mitigating stress—particularly in the workplace, where stress affects well-being, productivity, and morale. 

A strong link exists between stress and health and safety issues: an unsafe or poorly managed work environment can intensify stress, impacting everyone within the organisation. 

Addressing workplace stress through effective health and safety practices can lead to a healthier, more productive workplace.

What Is Work-Related Stress?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines stress as “the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them. There is a clear distinction between pressure, which can create a ‘buzz’ and be motivating, and stress, which occurs when this pressure becomes excessive.” 

The Reality of Stress in Health and Safety Roles

According to the HSE, nearly half of all work-related ill health cases in the UK stem from stress, anxiety, or depression, leading to 17.1 million working days lost in 2022/23.

It also costs over £5 billion a year in the UK to industry, individuals and the government.

Health and safety professionals are especially vulnerable due to the unique demands of their roles, including high-stakes decision-making, regulatory compliance, and the constant focus on risk control.

Unchecked stress not only impacts personal well-being but also has far-reaching effects on the safety of the entire workforce. When a H&S professional is stressed, their ability to assess risks accurately, make sound decisions, and communicate effectively can diminish, heightening the chance of accidents and non-compliance.

How Health and Safety Practices Relate to Workplace Stress

Health and safety is not just about physical protection—it also encompasses the psychological environment. By law, employers have a legal duty to protect their workers from stress at work by doing risk assessments and acting on them.

As to the consequences of stress, it can lead to higher absenteeism, reduced engagement, and increased accident rates. Key stressors in the workplace often intersect directly with health and safety practices:

• High-Demand Environments: Heavy workloads, tight deadlines, and complex tasks can drive burnout. Managing these demands is crucial to prevent employees from feeling overwhelmed and to maintain performance quality.
• Lack of Control and Autonomy: When employees have little say over how they perform tasks, stress can rise. Empowering employees to participate in decision-making can improve job satisfaction and reduce stress.
• Poorly Defined Roles and Responsibilities: Unclear or shifting job roles can cause anxiety. Clear definitions help ensure employees understand expectations, reducing stress and uncertainty.
• Inadequate Support and Communication: A lack of managerial support and open communication can leave employees feeling isolated. Encouraging communication helps employees feel valued and less anxious.

Recognising Signs of Stress in Health and Safety Roles

Identifying stress early is key to managing it effectively. Common signs of work-related stress include:

• Physical Symptoms: Headaches, fatigue, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.
• Emotional Symptoms: Anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and feelings of overwhelm.
• Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, indecision, and forgetfulness.
• Behavioural Changes: Increased absenteeism, social withdrawal, or reduced job satisfaction.

Early recognition of stress and intervention can prevent it from escalating into burnout, helping to maintain both personal well-being and job performance.

The HSE’s Management Standards

The HSE’s Management Standards for Work-Related Stress offer a structured approach to managing stress by addressing six critical areas known to affect workplace stress levels. By incorporating these standards, organisations can create a more supportive environment and reduce stress across teams.

1. Demands: Workload, work patterns, and environment factors that contribute to stress.
2. Control: The degree of autonomy employees have over their tasks and processes.
3. Support: Encouragement, resources, and assistance provided by the organisation.
4. Relationships: Positive interactions among colleagues, management, and customers.
5. Role: Clarity around job roles and responsibilities to prevent confusion and overlap.
6. Change: How effectively organisational changes are communicated and managed.

Addressing these areas proactively can help reduce stress and foster a healthier work environment. For more information on the HSE’s Management Standards and how to implement it in your company, please have a look at the HSE’s guide.

Reducing Workplace Stress through Health and Safety Initiatives

To manage stress as a health and safety issue, organisations need a proactive and inclusive approach involving policies, communication, and support systems. Here are strategies for reducing workplace stress through health and safety initiatives:

1. Implement Clear Health and Safety Policies
   Clear health and safety policies establish a foundation for a safe workplace and reduce stress by ensuring all employees understand procedures and expectations. Regularly update and communicate these policies to maintain relevance and clarity.
2. Conduct Comprehensive Risk Assessments for Physical and Mental Health
   Risk assessments should address both physical and mental health hazards. Evaluating mental health risks—such as high workloads, unclear roles, and insufficient support—can help identify stress points. As mentioned above, the HSE’s Management Standards for Work-Related Stress provide a framework for this process, highlighting key areas that contribute to workplace stress.
3. Promote Work-Life Balance and Manage Excessive Demands
   Reasonable workloads and respect for work-life boundaries are essential in managing stress. Offering flexible schedules, encouraging breaks, and emphasising the importance of rest—especially in demanding industries—help employees maintain balance and resilience.
4. Provide Training and Resources for Stress Management
   Equip employees with tools to manage stress, such as mindfulness and time management techniques. Regular health and safety training ensures employees feel confident handling workplace hazards, reducing anxiety associated with safety concerns.
5. Encourage Open Communication and Offer Mental Health Support
   Fostering a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable discussing stress without stigma can address problems early. Providing mental health resources, such as counselling, gives employees the support they need to manage stress effectively.

Supporting Mental Health in the Health and Safety Industry

In addition to the strategies above, organisations should consider providing mental health resources and support. The HSE encourages employers to promote mental health awareness and to create policies for supporting employees facing mental health challenges. Mental health training, access to counselling services, and mental health first aiders on-site can be invaluable for those in health and safety roles.

For more information on the role of mental health within the health and safety industry, you can read our blog on how to prioritise mental health in the workplace.

Conclusion

National Stress Awareness Day presents an opportunity for organisations to review their health and safety approach with mental well-being in mind. Recognising the connection between workplace stress and health and safety creates a foundation for a culture where employees feel safe, supported, and valued.

By implementing these strategies, companies can reduce stress, increase productivity, and foster a healthier workplace environment. For more guidance on managing workplace stress, the HSE’s website provides valuable resources, tools, and advice to help organisations create a supportive, low-stress workplace for all.