Anxiety in the workplace
Learn about the importance of supporting employees with anxiety and find ways to help employees feel valued and confident.
Meeting legal responsibilities
Supporting employees with anxiety is good practice, but it is also part of meeting legal and ethical responsibilities. Ensuring policies comply with equality and health and safety legislation helps protect every employee.
Under the Equality Act 2010, employers must make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees. If someone’s anxiety is long-term or significantly affects day‑to‑day life, it may be classed as a disability.
Employers also have a legal duty to protect employees’ physical and mental health. This includes identifying and addressing workplace factors that may cause stress or anxiety.
Visit the HSE website for information about stress risk assessments.
Page last reviewed: 28th May 2026