April marks Stress Awareness Month, a vital reminder that managing stress in the workplace isn’t just a wellbeing initiative—it’s a legal responsibility.
A widely accepted definition of stress, proposed by psychologist Richard S. Lazarus, defines it as: “A particular relationship between the person and the environment that is appraised by the person as taxing or exceeding his or her resources and endangering his or her well-being.”
In simpler terms, stress occurs when we believe the demands placed on us outweigh our ability to cope. It’s not just about the pressures of the job—it’s about how individuals interpret and respond to those pressures. This perspective, known as cognitive appraisal, is central to understanding and managing workplace stress.
To support businesses in tackling this issue, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is promoting its Working Minds campaign throughout April, encouraging employers to follow five key steps—the “5 Rs”:
- Reach out – Start conversations and listen to your team
- Recognise – Be aware of the signs and causes of stress
- Respond – Take action to reduce risks where identified
- Reflect – Assess the impact of your actions
- Make it Routine – Embed these habits into your daily culture
These steps provide a practical framework for identifying risks, offering support, and promoting a healthier, more resilient workplace.
It’s important to note that managing work-related stress is not just good practice—it’s required by law. Employers have a duty to assess risks and take reasonable steps to protect workers’ mental health.
Whether it’s through conversations, changes in workload, improved communication, or regular check-ins, creating a mentally healthy workplace must be a shared priority.
Need support developing a stress management strategy for your workplace? Compass HSC offers tailored mental health risk assessments, training, and policy guidance to help you fulfil your responsibilities and foster a healthier work culture.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your people and your business.