Feeling the Strain? Let’s Talk About Stress at Work

If you are feeling the strain? Let’s talk about stress at work and not because it’s stress awareness month.

April is Stress Awareness Month, and if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or under pressure lately, you’re not alone. According to UK Government statistics, almost one million workers in 2024/25 reported stress, depression, or anxiety caused or worsened by their job. That’s a staggering number, and a reminder that work related stress is both common and preventable.

But here’s the good news you have more power than you might realise to manage stress, speak up, and seek support.

A stress aware organisation will meet you halfway.

Let’s explore what you can do for yourself, what you should expect from your manager, and how to spot a workplace that genuinely takes wellbeing seriously.

What You Can Do for Yourself

Start by recognising the signs that your stress is becoming more than just “a busy week.” Maybe you’re struggling to switch off, waking up anxious about your inbox, feeling distracted, or snapping at people more easily than usual. These are all subtle signals that your mind and body need a reset.

Take small steps:

• Pause and breathe. Five minutes of calm breathing can help your brain regroup.
• Break your day into chunks. Focus on what’s in front of you, not everything at once.
• Move. A short walk, a stretch, or standing outside can do wonders.
• Reach out. Talk to a colleague or friend instead of letting pressure build silently.
• Take a Break. We start to eat at our desk the busier we become. Make a lunchbreak part of your routine. Leave your desk to eat.

And remember, stress doesn’t mean weakness. It’s your body saying, “Something needs adjusting.” Listening to that message is the first act of self-care.

What To Expect From Your Manager

Your manager plays a key role in how work-related stress is managed. In a healthy workplace, you should expect:

• Regular check-ins not just about deadlines, but how you’re coping.
• Clear priorities knowing what’s most important helps prevent overwhelm.
• Supportive conversations genuine listening without judgment or dismissal.
• Flexibility where possible whether through workload adjustments, hybrid working, or time off when needed.

If you’re struggling, it’s okay to say so. You might frame it openly:

I’m finding my workload tough lately can we look at priorities or support options together?

A good manager will respond with empathy and solutions, not frustration.

How to Spot a Stress Aware Organisation

Culture speaks volumes. A stress aware organisation won’t just run wellness campaigns in April it builds wellbeing into everyday practice. Look for:

• Visible leadership support. Senior leaders talk openly about wellbeing and model balance themselves.
• Practical frameworks. There are policies, risk assessments, and action plans in place for stress and mental health.
• A voice for employees. Feedback and wellbeing surveys lead to real change, not just reports.
• Training and resources. Mental health first aiders, resilience workshops, or wellbeing champions exist and are accessible.

These are the subtle signs of a workplace that’s serious about people, not just performance.

Your Reminder This April

As we mark Stress Awareness Month, take a moment to check in with yourself.

• How are you feeling?
• How is your work-life balance?
• What’s one small change in habits, boundaries, or communication that could help reduce stress for you and maybe others?

If you’re in an organisation that genuinely listens and acts, celebrate that. Share what works. Support others who might be finding things harder right now.

Stress, while part of life, should never be part of your job description.

This month is about reminding ourselves and each other that wellbeing at work is everyone’s business.

Take care, speak up, and know that balance is possible.

Check out our  Mental Health Resources (1).