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Understanding stress risk assessment has never been more important for UK
businesses. With the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigating suspected organisational failures in managing mental health risks, workplace stress management has moved from optional best practice to essential compliance requirement.
The Numbers are real...
776,000 workers reported work-related mental ill health in 2023/24.
16.4 million working days were lost to stress, depression and anxiety in 2023/24.
79% of British employees experience work-related stress.
These statistic represents real people, real families and real businesses suffering the consequences of poorly managed workplace stress.
What is a Stress Risk Assessment?
A stress risk assessment is a systematic evaluation of workplace factors that could cause stress to employees. Just as employers must assess physical hazards like slips and falls, they have a legal duty to identify, evaluate and control psychological hazards that could lead to work-related stress.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), stress is defined as "the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demands placed on them." The key point is that stress affects people differently, what causes stress for one person may not affect another in the same way.
Legal Requirements for Stress Risk Assessments
Key Legislation
UK employers have clear legal obligations when it comes to managing workplace stress:
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA)
Requires employers to ensure the health and safety of employees "so far as is reasonably practicable"
This includes protecting workers from psychological as well as physical harm
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Places an absolute duty on employers to conduct "suitable and sufficient" risk assessments
When Risk Assessments Must Be Written
If your organisation employs five or more people, you must keep written records of your stress risk assessment. However, all employers have a duty of care to protect their workforce from work-related stress, regardless of company size.
The Benefits of Stress Risk Assessments
Financial Impact
Reduced absence costs: Stress-related absence costs UK businesses millions annually
Lower recruitment expenses: Preventing stress-related turnover saves on replacement costs
Increased productivity: Healthy, supported employees perform better
Avoiding legal costs: Proactive stress management reduces the risk of compensation claims
Workplace Benefits
Improved employee morale and job satisfaction
Enhanced company reputation as a caring employer
Better staff retention rates
Stronger workplace culture and team cohesion
The HSE's Six Management Standards
The Health and Safety Executive has identified six key areas that can become workplace stressors if not properly managed:
1. Demands
Workplace demands include excessive workload and unrealistic deadlines, but also environmental factors like noise and poor lighting. Shift patterns and unpredictable scheduling can disrupt work-life balance and create additional stress beyond the work itself.
2. Control
Employee autonomy represents one of the most powerful stress buffers available. When people feel they have genuine influence over their tasks, timing and methods, they're better equipped to manage pressure. This includes involvement in decision-making processes that affect their work.
3. Support
Both management and peer support are crucial for employee wellbeing. Employees need practical assistance and emotional encouragement from managers, while colleagues can provide industry-specific advice and collaborative problem-solving.
4. Relationships
Positive workplace relationships act as protective factors, while negative relationships become major stressors. This includes communication quality between colleagues, conflict resolution procedures and prevention of bullying and harassment.
5. Role
Clear job descriptions and well-defined responsibilities prevent role ambiguity stress. Employees need to understand their duties, reporting structures and how their role fits within the broader organisation.
6. Change
Organisational changes must be managed and communicated effectively. When employees understand why changes are happening and have input into implementation, they're more likely to support rather than resist new initiatives.
Signs You Need a Stress Risk Assessment
Watch for these warning signs in your workplace:
Team-Level Indicators:
Increased sickness absence rates
Higher staff turnover than usual
More workplace conflicts or complaints
Decreased productivity or work quality
Rising grievances or disciplinary issues
Individual Warning Signs:
Employees appearing withdrawn or anxious
Changes in behavior or performance patterns
Increased emotional reactions to normal situations
Physical symptoms like frequent headaches
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
The 5-Step Stress Risk Assessment Process
Step 1: Identify Hazards (Stressors)
Start by systematically looking for potential stress sources through workplace observations, employee surveys and confidential discussions. Review absence records, exit interviews and performance data to identify patterns that might indicate stress-related issues.
Step 2: Determine Who Might Be Harmed
Consider which roles are most exposed to stressors and identify vulnerable groups such as new employees or those with existing health conditions. Don't forget to assess indirect effects on team members and different impacts across various departments.
Step 3: Evaluate Risks and Decide on Controls
Assess each identified stressor by considering how likely stress is to occur and how serious the impact could be. Evaluate existing control measures and use a risk matrix to prioritise which stressors need immediate attention.
Step 4: Record Findings and Implement Actions
Document all identified stressors, their risk levels, who might be affected, current control measures and additional actions needed with clear timescales and responsibilities.
Step 5: Review and Monitor
Conduct annual reviews as a minimum, with additional reviews after significant organisational changes, stress-related incidents or when new stressors are identified.
Ready to protect your team and safeguard your business?Â
Contact DuoDynamic Safety Solutions today to discuss how our expert stress risk assessment services can help you create a healthier, more productive workplace while ensuring full legal compliance.
