Stress: what can we do to help reduce it in the workplace?

If you search online, you’ll find plenty of different definitions of stress, but the World Health Organisation sums it up nicely as ‘a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation.’

That’s a good place to start – but I like to think about stress as something that can be both good and bad.

The good kind: eustress

This is the short-term burst of stress hormones that gives us energy, helps us perform and keeps us motivated. It’s that little push that helps us meet deadlines, stay alert in a big meeting or tackle a tricky project. We all need a bit of this from time to time!

The not-so-good kind: distress

When stress becomes too much or goes on for too long, that’s when it can start to have a negative impact. What feels manageable for one person might feel completely overwhelming for another, depending on what else they’re juggling in life.

If someone’s feeling consistently under pressure, you might start to notice signs such as:

• Changes in mood or behaviour
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue or physical tension
• Withdrawal from social interactions
• More frequent mistakes or dips in performance

If these signs start to crop up regularly, it could be a sign of chronic stress, which can affect both physical and mental health. Spotting the early warning signs, in ourselves and others, is key.

Create space

• Start conversations – make time for regular catch-ups where people can talk openly about how they’re coping, both at work and at home.
• Lead by example – show your team that it’s okay to take a break, ask for help or say when things feel too much.
• Provide a safe space – this could be a quiet room in the office, a ‘listening ear’ scheme or even a regular wellbeing check-in.
• Encourage self-awareness – tools like the performance pressure curve can help employees identify where they are and what kind of support might help.
• Listen well – practice non-judgemental and active listening; sometimes, just being heard can make all the difference.

Make adjustments

Workplace adjustments don’t need to be big or permanent to make an impact. Here are a few examples that can really help:

• Offer an extra break or encourage time outdoors during the day.
• Provide healthy, caffeine-free snacks in the workplace.
• Provide noise-cancelling headphones for focus, or on the flip side, create collaborative spaces for connection.
• Try walking meetings – they boost creativity and reduce tension.
• Pair employees with a workplace buddy or mentor.
• Tailor deadlines to individual capacity where possible.
• Acknowledge effort and celebrate wins in meaningful ways.
• Create a ‘wellbeing box’ that anyone can dip into, filled with things like:
  • Fidget toys
  • Colouring books or puzzles
  • Positive affirmation cards
  • Aromatherapy oils or calming lotions
  • Mindfulness or breathing cards.

Share resources and support

Knowing where to turn for help is half the battle.

• Remind colleagues about internal support options like your Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Use tools like a stress risk assessment or Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) to structure support.
• Signpost to external resources such as:
  • Hub of Hope – for local mental health support
  • Apps like Happify or Insight Timer for mindfulness and stress management
  • The Stress Container activity from the BBC.
• And don’t forget training! Mental health and stress awareness sessions can help everyone feel more confident supporting each other – you can find out more about the courses we offer here.