International Stress Awareness Week

Learn how employers can use International Stress Awareness Week to raise awareness about workplace stress and share resources to support employee wellbeing.

The value of supporting International Stress Awareness Week at work

Supporting International Stress Awareness Week can help employees recognise how stress can affect their mental and physical health at work and in everyday life.

The campaign gives employers the opportunity to encourage open conversations, share helpful tools and manage stress to help create a positive and supportive workplace.

By proactively addressing workplace stress, employers can reduce burnout, improve employee wellbeing and increase performance.

Get involved in International Stress Awareness Week

Host stress management workshops

Hold sessions on mindfulness, relaxation techniques and coping strategies. Activities like this can help employees find ways to manage stress in a healthy way.

Promote work-life balance

Promote flexible working, encourage employees to take regular breaks and manage workloads accordingly to help reduce workplace stress.

Find out more about the benefits of flexible working.

Create a supportive environment

Provide access to mental health resources in your workplace. Having access to peer support groups or employee assistance programmes can help employees feel supported.

Offer training and guidance

Provide managers and employees with training on how to recognise and manage stress and have conversations about stress with employees.

Find out more about stress management in the workplace.

Managing stress at work

Workplaces can support stress awareness and mental health throughout the year by taking proactive steps such as:

Checking mental health and wellbeing

Regularly assess employee well-being. This can be achieved through surveys, check-ins and conversations.

Promoting a positive and supportive workplace culture

Support open discussions about mental health, help break down stigma and provide training for managers and staff.

Sharing mental health and wellbeing resources

Provide information about professional support to help employees manage stress and take care of their mental health.

Find out more on our stress management in the workplace and burnout and fatigueBurnout and fatigue in the workplace in the workplace topic pages.

Working Minds campaign

Led by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) the Working Minds campaign emphasises the importance of managing work-related stress to prevent mental health issues.

It gives useful tools and guidance to help workplaces follow the law and create a supportive healthy work environment.

Find out more about the Working Minds campaign.

Find out more

To find out how your workplace can get involved in International Stress Awareness Week, visit the International Stress Management Association UK (ISMAUK) website.

To get updates about health and wellbeing campaigns throughout the year, sign up to our newsletter.

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