World Mental Health Day 2025: Take action on work-related stress

To mark World Mental Health Day today (10 October), HSE is urging employers to move beyond awareness and take practical steps to prevent work-related stress.

In 2023/24, approximately half of all self-reported cases of work-related ill health in Great Britain—whether new or ongoing—were linked to stress, depression, or anxiety, according to data from the Labour Force Survey and HSE statistics.

On average, each affected worker took 19.6 days off due to these conditions. The impact on businesses is significant – increased absence, reduced productivity, and higher staff turnover. 

Start doing 

Kayleigh Roberts, Work-Related Stress Policy Lead at HSE, said: “This World Mental Health Day, we’re asking employers to keep talking – but start doing. We regularly hear from businesses struggling with rising absence, falling performance, and high staff turnover – often caused by preventable stress at work.” 

“The good news is that even small changes can make a big difference. Taking steps like reviewing workloads, enhancing communication, or giving staff greater autonomy can lead to improved wellbeing and stronger business performance. The organisations that thrive are those that address the root causes of stress before they escalate into a crisis.” 

Support that works 

HSE’s Working Minds campaign helps employers prevent stress by focusing on 6 key areas: demands, control, support, relationships, role clarity, and change. Its 5 steps provide a clear framework for action:

  • Reach out
  • Recognise
  • Respond
  • Reflect
  • make it Routine

Over 18,000 leaders have already accessed HSE’s free tools and training.  

Make one change today 

Start with one of these simple steps:  

Protecting mental health is good for people – and good for business. You can get further tools and training at the HSE Working Minds campaign website.

Play the HSE mini game on stress at work

To mark World Mental Health Day, try the HSE mini game to learn more about stress and how it affects everyone at work. 

The goal is to reach the top in 45 seconds. Avoid red stress risks and collect green resources to boost your score. Play our free mini game now.

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Article adapted from the original post on HSE website here: https://press.hse.gov.uk/2025/10/10/world-mental-health-day-protect-your-teams-mental-health-and-your-business/