Workplace stress is one of the leading causes of employee ill health, absenteeism, and decreased productivity in the UK. As an Occupational Health and Safety Consultant, I can’t stress enough the importance of a proactive and structured approach to managing stress in the workplace. One of the most effective ways to do this is through a comprehensive stress risk assessment, which is why this topic, Stress Risk Assessment Example, is very important.
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk through practical examples, templates, and explanations to help you understand how to assess, manage, and reduce stress in your workplace. We’ll also provide actionable tools, including a Mental Health Risk Assessment Template, a Return to Work Risk Assessment, and several Stress Risk Assessment Templates suitable for various industries.
What Is a Stress Risk Assessment?
A stress risk assessment is a systematic process used to identify work-related stressors that may cause harm to employees, assess the risks associated with them, and implement measures to control or eliminate those risks. In the UK, employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. 1974 Act and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 to assess and manage workplace stress.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines work-related stress as “the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them at work.”
Why Stress Risk Assessments Matter in the UK
According to the HSE’s 2023 report:
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Over 875,000 workers in Great Britain suffered from work-related stress, depression, or anxiety.
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This accounted for over 50% of all work-related ill health cases.
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The primary causes were workload, lack of support, violence, threats, and changes at work.
Read Also: What is Risk Assessment Process
Stress not only affects individual well-being but also has a massive impact on organisational performance, absenteeism, turnover, and even legal compliance.
Mental Health Risk Assessment Template (UK Compliant)
Mental health and stress are deeply interconnected. A Mental Health Risk Assessment Template helps identify broader psychological risks in the workplace. Here’s a simplified version tailored to UK workplaces:
| Hazard | Who might be harmed? | Risk | Control Measures in Place | Further Action Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excessive workload | All staff | Burnout, anxiety | Staff appraisals, workload monitoring | Yes – hire additional staff |
| Poor line management | Junior staff | Stress, low morale | Management training programme | No |
| Lack of flexible work options | Working parents | Poor work-life balance | Hybrid working policy | Yes – update flexible working request policy |
| Isolation of remote workers | Remote employees | Loneliness, disengagement | Weekly check-ins, team huddles | No |
Stress Risk Assessment: The HSE Management Standards Approach
The HSE recommends using its Management Standards framework, which focuses on six key areas known to be primary stressors:
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Demands – workload, work patterns, and work environment.
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Control – how much say the person has in the way they do their work.
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Support – encouragement, sponsorship, and resources provided.
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Relationships – positive working practices to avoid conflict.
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Role – whether people understand their role and responsibilities.
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Change – how organisational change is managed and communicated.
Stress Risk Assessment Example (Practical Case Study)
Let’s take a real-world example of a medium-sized logistics company in Manchester. Here’s a portion of their stress risk assessment:
| Risk Area | Findings | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Demands | Drivers reported unrealistic delivery schedules | Delivery routes were adjusted for realism |
| Control | Staff felt micromanaged | Managers trained on empowerment techniques |
| Support | Night shift workers lacked managerial support | On-call support manager was introduced |
| Relationships | Tension between drivers and warehouse staff | Team-building workshops organised |
| Role | Unclear job descriptions for new hires | Role profiles re-issued and reviewed |
| Change | Shift pattern changes were not communicated properly | Weekly briefings introduced |
Workplace Stress Risk Assessment: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to conduct a Workplace Stress Risk Assessment in the UK:
Step 1: Identify Stress Hazards
Talk to staff, review absenteeism records, and examine workload patterns.
Step 2: Decide Who Might Be Harmed and How
Consider vulnerable groups – new employees, remote workers, lone workers, and those with pre-existing mental health issues.
Step 3: Evaluate the Risks and Decide on Controls
Use the HSE Management Standards or your framework to decide what’s needed.
Step 4: Record Your Findings
Use a simple table or a formal template. This is especially important to demonstrate compliance with health and safety laws.
Step 5: Monitor and Review
Stress is not static. Reassess regularly and after significant changes like restructuring or mergers.
Read Also: What Is Fire Risk Assessment: How It Is Done
Stress Risk Assessment Template
A ready-to-use Stress Risk Assessment Template for UK employers:
| Risk Factor | Hazard Identified | Who Is at Risk? | Control Measures | Risk Rating (H/M/L) | Actions Needed | Review Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demands | Excessive overtime | Warehouse staff | Monitor hours | High | Recruit more staff | 3 months |
| Control | No task autonomy | Call centre staff | Flexible scheduling | Medium | Training for managers | 6 months |
Sample Stress Risk Assessment: Office Environment
Here’s a quick sample stress risk assessment for a UK office:
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Hazard: Unrealistic deadlines
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Who is at risk: Admin staff
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Control measures: Time management workshops, regular one-to-ones
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Further action: Set realistic KPIs
Return to Work Risk Assessment (Post-Stress Leave)
Employees returning after a stress-related absence must be carefully supported. Here’s what a Return to Work Risk Assessment might include:
| Employee Name | Reason for Absence | Adjusted Duties | Support Plan | Review Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sarah T. | Work-related stress | Reduced hours | Weekly check-in with HR | Monthly |
Other key considerations:
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Allow phased return.
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Provide access to counselling.
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Avoid isolating the employee.
Work-Related Stress Risk Assessment (Specific Hazards)
Work-related stress arises from specific issues that may not be present in every job role. Examples include:
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Excessive email traffic.
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Conflicting demands from multiple managers.
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Lack of job security.
Control measures may include:
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Email blackout periods.
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Clarified reporting lines.
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Honest communication about organisational changes.
Individual Stress Risk Assessment
While general assessments are great, sometimes you need an Individual Stress Risk Assessment, especially if an employee shows signs of severe stress.
This assessment should include:
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One-on-one discussion.
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Tailored adjustments to workload or responsibilities.
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Confidential record keeping.
Example Template:
| Issue | Employee Feedback | Action Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Feeling overwhelmed | Too many tasks with unclear priority | Weekly priority planning with the line manager |
| Lack of sleep | Due to long hours | Temporary reduction in hours |
Read Also: Risk Assessment Example; Simple to Use Templates
Final Thoughts
Stress in the workplace is not just a “soft” issue—it’s a legal, operational, and ethical priority. A structured stress risk assessment framework helps businesses not only stay compliant with UK law but also protect their most valuable asset: their people.
By implementing templates like the Mental Health Risk Assessment, Workplace Stress Risk Assessment, and Return to Work Risk Assessments, UK employers can create psychologically safer environments where staff can thrive.