International Stress Awareness Week: Supporting wellbeing in the workplace

International Stress Awareness Week takes place from 2 to 6 November, providing an opportunity to raise awareness of stress and encourage healthier ways of managing pressure.

Stress is a normal part of life, but when pressure becomes difficult to manage, it can begin to affect both mental and physical wellbeing. In the workplace, ongoing stress can impact concentration, motivation, relationships and overall performance.

Creating a workplace where employees feel supported to talk about stress is an important part of a positive wellbeing culture.

Understanding workplace stress

Workplace stress can have many different causes. Heavy workloads, tight deadlines, changing priorities, lack of control or difficulties outside of work can all contribute.

Everyone responds to pressure differently, which is why recognising the signs of stress and encouraging open conversations can make a difference.

Employers can support their teams by creating opportunities to learn about stress, develop practical coping strategies and take time away from the pressures of the working day.

Supporting employees to manage pressure

There are many ways organisations can support employee wellbeing during International Stress Awareness Week and throughout the year.

At Hands On At Work, our stress management and resilience workshops help employees understand stress, recognise potential triggers and explore practical strategies for managing pressure.

Our mindfulness sessions and wellbeing webinars provide further opportunities for employees to develop techniques that can support their mental wellbeing.

Workplace massage can also give employees dedicated time to pause, relax and release some of the physical tension associated with stress.

Take a look at the services we provide to businesses across the UK

Making wellbeing part of everyday working life

Supporting employees with stress is not about eliminating pressure altogether. It is about creating a workplace where people have the knowledge, tools and support they need to manage it effectively.

International Stress Awareness Week is a useful opportunity to start those conversations and consider how wellbeing can become part of everyday working life.

Hands On At Work can help organisations create tailored workplace wellbeing programmes that support their people > info@handsonatwork.co.uk