What to Do if an Employee Says They Are Stressed at Work
Stress has always been part of working life, but HR teams and managers now play a much bigger role in keeping it in check. So what should you do if an employee tells you they are stressed at work? And how can you reduce stress before it gets that far? This guide covers both.
Table of Contents
What to Do if an Employee Says They Are Stressed at Work
- Listen and take it seriously. Find a private, calm moment to talk. Thank them for telling you and avoid judging or minimizing what they say.
- Understand the causes. Is it workload, unclear expectations, a difficult relationship, a lack of control, change in the organization – or something outside work?
- Agree on practical changes. Reprioritize tasks, adjust deadlines, offer flexibility or clarify their role. Small, concrete changes often help most.
- Signpost support. Point to an employee assistance program, counseling, occupational health or a doctor if needed.
- Follow up. Schedule a check-in a week or two later to see whether things are improving.
- Look at the bigger picture. If several people report similar stress, the cause is probably in the way work is organized. In many countries, employers also have a legal duty to assess and manage work-related stress risks.
If someone shows signs of serious distress, encourage them to seek professional help straight away.
Warning Signs of Stress at Work
- more sick days or arriving late
- irritability, withdrawal or conflict with colleagues
- trouble concentrating or more mistakes than usual
- working very long hours or never switching off
- tiredness and complaints about sleep
6 Ways to Prevent Stress at Work
1. 1. Make Weekends Weekends
Many of us check email in the evenings and at weekends out of habit. Change the norm: agree that non-urgent messages wait until Monday. Some countries have gone further – France introduced a “right to disconnect” that requires larger companies to agree on rules for after-hours email. Real rest lowers stress and tiredness and helps people come back recharged.
2. 2. Bring Plants to the Office
Greener workspaces make people feel better. One University of Exeter study found that adding plants to bare offices increased productivity by around 15%. It is also one of the easiest changes HR can make.
3. 3. Make Breaks Easy
Stock tea and healthy snacks and create a comfortable place to take a real break – a small signal that pausing is welcome, especially during the darker months.
4. 4. Organize Creative Team Events
Doing something hands-on together – painting, pottery, cooking – is fulfilling and gives the brain a real break from work. It also strengthens connections between colleagues. Find more ideas in 25 team booster activities.
5. 5. Move Together Every Day
If creative team events are a great stress reliever, moving together is even better. Physical activity reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression and improves overall wellbeing – and doing it with colleagues adds connection and fun. A company challenge makes it a daily habit rather than a one-off event, and it works for remote teams too: you see colleagues moving even when you are not together. Here are some office fitness challenge ideas and a 12-month wellness program example.
6. 6. Offer Non-Fitness Wellbeing Activities
Not everyone de-stresses through exercise. Mindfulness, sleep and screen-break challenges work well too – see non-fitness wellness challenges.
For a broader plan, read our guide on how to reduce sickness absence, where stress is one of the leading causes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should a manager say to a stressed employee?
Thank them for raising it, ask open questions about what is causing the stress, and agree together on one or two concrete changes. Then follow up.
2. Is the employer responsible for work-related stress?
In many countries, yes – employers have a duty of care and often a legal duty to assess and reduce health risks at work, including stress. Check the rules in your country.
3. Can physical activity really reduce stress?
Yes. Regular physical activity reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression and improves wellbeing, according to the World Health Organization.
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