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Anxiety in the workplace

Learn about the importance of supporting employees with anxiety and find ways to help employees feel valued and confident.

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What employers can do

Creating a psychologically safe, supportive environment is not just good practice, it improves engagement, productivity, retention and organisational culture.

Here are some things you can do in your workplace:

Create a supportive environment
  • Encourage open, non-judgemental conversations about mental health
  • Ensure leaders demonstrate care and prioritise wellbeing
  • Normalise asking for help and reduce stigma
Clarify roles and expectations
  • Give clear instructions and realistic deadlines
  • Minimise last-minute urgent demands
  • Ensure workloads are manageable and fair
Offer flexibility
  • Provide quiet spaces or reduced workloads during difficult periods
  • Make reasonable adjustments for individuals experiencing anxiety

 

 

Train managers
  • Help managers recognise early signs of anxiety
  • Equip them to listen, support and signpost effectively
  • Encourage a problem-solving rather than blame-focused approach
Provide access to support

 

 

Monitor workload and culture
  • Use regular check-ins, surveys or team discussions to identify pressure points
  • Act early to address unhealthy patterns
  • Promote inclusion and respect throughout the organisation
Encourage breaks and work-life balance
  • Encourage employees to take regular breaks and use annual leave
  • Create a culture where employees are encouraged to finish on time
  • Support wellbeing activities such as mindfulness, regular movementnd social connection

 

 

Page last reviewed: 28th May 2026