The latest HSE figures have just released. And they reveal that in 2025, just under a million workers in the UK were suffering from work-related stress. That’s a huge number. And it’s also a super clear sign that stress isn’t just a personal issue - it’s a workplace one too. Knowing how to handle stress in your team isn’t about wrapping people in cotton wool though. It’s actually about creating a working environment where people are able to do their jobs safely, sensibly and productively.

Why stress matters at work

Stress doesn’t always look like a dramatic breakdown. Sometimes it’s the reliable employee who’s suddenly snappy about everything. It could be the quiet one who starts making mistakes. Or the manager who never seems to switch off from work, even when they're off duty. If it's left unchecked, stress can lead to sickness absence, high staff turnover and even accidents in the workplace. From a business point of view, it costs time and money. From a human point of view, it can seriously affect someone’s life and health.

Spotting the early signs

One of the biggest challenges for managers is recognising stress before it becomes a real problem. It's super important to look out for changes in behaviour, mood or performance. An anecdote we often hear is, “I thought they were just having a bad week.” In reality, that bad week could have been building for months. Regular check-ins with your team, even informal ones, can help you catch issues early.

How to handle stress in your team day to day

Taking practical steps can actually make a real difference. Start with your team's workloads - are they realistic, or is everyone constantly firefighting? Make sure people know what’s expected of them - and who they can go to if they’re struggling. Encourage breaks and proper time off. It sounds really simple, but a lot of the time, employees feel they can’t step away unless it’s clearly supported from the top.
Training line managers is also key. They don’t need to be fully qualified counsellors by any means. But they do need confidence to have straightforward conversations about stress and wellbeing. Understanding how to handle stress in your team often simply comes down to listening properly and taking concerns seriously.

Creating a healthier culture

The culture in a workplace plays a big role in stress levels. If long hours and constant pressure are seen as “just part of the job”, stress is given the perfect conditions to thrive. If openness, balance and support are genuinely valued on the other hand, people are far more likely to speak up early. That’s safer for everyone.

Final thoughts

Stress at work isn’t going away on its own. With the figures showing nearly a million people affected last year, doing nothing just isn’t an option anymore. Learning how to handle stress in your team helps protect your people, reduce risks and it keeps your business running smoothly. A healthier team is not only safer - it’s more engaged, more productive and far more likely to stick around.

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