Work-related stress creates challenge for UK employers

Work-related stress in the UK has reached critical levels, with employee representatives increasingly describing it as the most serious health and safety challenge facing workplaces today.

A large-scale survey of more than 2,700 workplace safety representatives found that nearly eight in ten identified stress as their primary concern; the highest proportion recorded since the survey began. This issue was consistently reported across all regions and almost every sector.

The most severe levels were highlighted in public administration, education, healthcare, and voluntary organisations, where a significant majority of representatives said stress was a major problem for staff.

Excessive workloads were identified as the leading cause, with six in ten respondents pointing to unreasonable demands as the main driver of pressure at work.

Trade Union representatives have referred to the situation as a nationwide emergency, arguing that many employers are falling short of their legal obligations. They warn that stress has become deeply embedded in working life and continues to worsen as workloads increase and risk assessments are overlooked.

As a result, many employees are experiencing burnout and long-term health consequences. The growth of hybrid working and constant digital access has blurred boundaries, pushing many roles beyond what is realistically sustainable and turning stress into a routine part of daily work.

Official safety data supports these concerns, showing that cases of work-related stress, anxiety, and depression reached new highs in the most recent reporting year. The number of affected workers rose sharply compared with the previous year, contributing to tens of millions of lost working days.

Managers should take proactive steps to identify stress-related risks, reduce excessive demands, and provide support for employees who are struggling. Psychological health should be treated with the same seriousness as physical safety.

Employers have a legal responsibility to identify, manage, and reduce mental health risks, just as they would hazards such as faulty equipment or unsafe environments. Ignoring workloads or working practices that predictably harm employees’ health carries the same risks as ignoring physical dangers.

Businesses should carry out regular stress risk assessments, train managers to recognise early warning signs, and consult employees as part of the process. Should you require support to manage a work-related stress issue, contact 121 HR Solutions on 0800 9995 121.

Work-related stress creates challenge for UK employers

121 HR Solutions Ltd