How to Conduct a Stress Risk Assessment

Why Assessing Stress in the Workplace Matters

In today's fast-paced work environment, stress is a prevalent concern for many employees. Understanding the impact of work-related stress, depression, and anxiety is essential for fostering a healthy workplace. The following statistics highlight the alarming prevalence of these issues in Great Britain:

Workplace stress is a growing issue across the UK, significantly impacting productivity, morale, and overall employee health. Under UK legislation – including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 – employers have a legal duty to protect staff from stress-related harm.

The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) outlines stress risk assessments as a key method for employers to identify potential causes of workplace stress and implement controls to minimise them.

The Cost of Ignoring Work-Related Stress

In 2023:

• 1.8 million UK workers reported a work-related illness.
• Stress, depression and anxiety accounted for nearly 50% of all reported cases.
• A YouGov survey found that 52% of employees feel “fairly” or “very” stressed at work, with 39% experiencing stress even outside working hours.

Ignoring these signs can lead to increased absenteeism, presenteeism, reduced productivity, and high turnover rates.

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Common Workplace Stressors to Assess

When carrying out a workplace stress risk assessment, be sure to evaluate the following six key areas (as defined by the HSE Management Standards):

• Workload demands: High pressure, excessive hours, or unmanageable deadlines
• Control: Low autonomy or inability to influence work decisions
• Support: Lack of managerial or peer support, especially for lone workers
• Role clarity: Conflicting responsibilities or unclear expectations
• Relationships: Bullying, harassment, or unresolved conflicts
• Organisational change: Poorly managed restructuring or communication breakdowns
• For lone workers, stressors can be amplified due to isolation, increased vulnerability, or safety concerns – making this assessment even more critical.

What’s Included in Our Stress Risk Assessment Template?

Our editable Stress Risk Assessment template is designed to help health and safety managers:

• Identify and log stress-related hazards
• Rate the level of risk posed to employees
• Document existing and proposed control measures
• Assign responsibilities and review deadlines
• Ensure compliance with HSE guidance and best practices
• Use the form below to get instant access to this free resource.

Bonus Tip: Link Stress and Lone Worker Safety

If your business employs lone workers or mobile teams, consider including lone worker solutions (like personal safety devices or check-in tools) as part of your stress mitigation strategy. Feeling safe and supported on the job significantly reduces stress levels.

Explore how a lone worker safety solution can reduce psychological risk.

Download Your Free Workplace Stress Risk Assessment Template

Use the form below to receive your editable Stress Rick Assessment Template– a practical and professional way to support your health and safety management.