April is Stress Awareness Month, highlighting the growing need for workers to understand how to handle stress. We are pleased to share six expert-backed ways employers can boost employee wellbeing…
How to handle stress and improve employee wellbeing at work:
1. Give employees more autonomy over how they work
Micromanagement breeds stress, and trust is the antidote. One of the most effective ways to support employee wellbeing is by giving people greater freedom in how they work. That could mean flexible hours, hybrid work setups, or letting teams choose the tools and processes that suit them best. Even simple changes like setting ‘core hours’ for collaboration while allowing flexibility around start and finish times, can make a big difference. When people feel ownership over their time, they’re more engaged, more motivated, and far better equipped to thrive.
2. Make ‘Mental Health Days’ a no-questions-asked policy
Just like we take sick days for colds or the flu, employees should feel empowered to take time off for their mental wellbeing, without guilt or scrutiny. It’s about creating a workplace culture where mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health. Equip managers with the tools to encourage this practice and trust your team to use it responsibly. When mental health days are treated as a vital part of the work-life balance, they not only help prevent burnout but also contribute to a more productive workplace.
3. How to handle stress? Train teams on stress reduction techniques
One-off seminars won’t cut it. Invest in ongoing, interactive training that teaches employees practical skills like box breathing, mindfulness journalling, and progressive muscle relaxation. Host lunchtime ‘mental fitness’ sessions, engaging workshops, or run challenges like a 7-day gratitude journalling streak. Companies that weave these into their daily work life see higher uptake and more sustainable results. Pro tip: Encourage senior leaders to get involved – their visible participation not only sets a positive example but also reinforces the legitimacy of these initiatives.
4. Think about workplace design that soothes, not stress
Your office layout can either drain your team’s energy or recharge it. Harsh lighting, noisy open-plan spaces, and uninspiring décor can elevate stress and reduce focus. Studies reveal that adding plants can help lower tension, anxiety and fatigue by 38%. Consider a biophilic design by bringing in natural light and greenery into your workspace. Set up quiet zones with comfortable seating and acoustic booths for deep work or mental resets. For remote workers, consider providing wellness allowances for ergonomic home setups or additional items like air purifiers to show you care truly about their wellbeing.
5. Create clear and accessible paths to success
Support systems only work if people know it’s there and feel safe using it. Whether it’s an EAP (Employee Assistance Programme), in-house mental health champions, or access to external therapists, visibility is important. These resources need to be clearly signposted and regularly brought to people’s attention. Don’t let them fade into the background after onboarding – use multiple channels to build regular, low-key reminders into your culture. Share quick links in internal newsletters, pin information in Slack channels, or add a ‘Get Help’ button to your company’s HR platform.
6. Clarify roles to reduce ambiguity
A major – and often overlooked – cause of stress is not knowing what’s expected. When roles or responsibilities are vague, it creates anxiety, second-guessing, and wasted energy. Employers should regularly review job descriptions, align responsibilities with evolving business needs, and ensure employees understand their reporting lines and performance metrics. Implement tools like RACI charts (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) to map out decision-making roles, and hold regular check ins to clear up any grey areas. When people know what success looks like, they feel more confident and in control.
How to handle stress advice from a senior business leader
Richard Hunt, Director at Liquidation Centre commented on the current state of workplace burnout:
“Stress Awareness Month is a good moment to recognise how many people are quietly struggling at work. For a lot of managers and team leaders, the pressure has been building for some time, especially among younger staff and women stepping into leadership roles.
They are often the ones checking in on everyone else, keeping teams motivated and making sure the work gets done, but it can come at a cost. With smaller teams, tight deadlines and constant change, it is easy to feel like you are always on and never quite catching up.
When that feeling sticks around, it starts to affect how people show up day to day. Motivation dips, patience wears thin and even simple tasks can feel heavier than they should.
Stress Awareness Month should encourage businesses across the UK to slow things down and really listen. People do not expect perfection, they want to feel supported, trusted and able to switch off when the day is done. Simple things like being clear, fair and realistic can make a big difference.
Looking after people properly is what keeps a business steady over time. When people feel better, they work better, and that is something every organisation depends on.”
PA Life’s wellness columns are a good place to find information and inspiration for stress busting activities, as well as longer term lifestyle changes to boost your wellbeing.
