Work-related stress isn’t just a wellbeing issue – it’s a legal obligation
In the UK, employers are legally required to assess and manage workplace stress just like any other health and safety risk. But here’s the reality: too many leaders are waiting until stress turns into burnout, absence, or legal claims before taking action.
The law is clear: If you’re not assessing and managing work-related stress, you’re not compliant.
Failing to conduct a stress risk assessment isn’t just bad for employees, it’s bad for business. The consequences?
• HSE enforcement action (fines, improvement notices, or legal penalties)
• Compensation claims for stress-related mental health conditions
• High turnover, low engagement, and spiralling absence costs
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has clear Management Standards covering key stress risks like workload, lack of support, and workplace relationships. But knowing the legal requirements is one thing, acting on them is what keeps you compliant and your business protected.
How can leaders protect their teams, and their organisation?
- Conduct a Stress Risk Assessment: This is a legal duty, not an optional extra.
- Act on the Findings: It’s not enough to ‘tick a box’, you need to take real action.
- Use the HSE’s Management Standards: These give a clear framework for reducing stress risks.
- Review Regularly: Workloads shift, roles change, your risk assessment must evolve too.
- Get Expert Support: That’s where I come in. I help businesses navigate legal requirements, conduct stress risk assessments, and implement evidence-based strategies that protect employees and keep organisations compliant.
Let’s talk…
Are you confident your organisation is meeting its legal duty to manage stress? If not, let’s fix that before it becomes a problem. I can help you get this right – drop me a message.
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