Be the Change: Tackling Workplace Stress and Burnout During Stress Awareness Month

April marks Stress Awareness Month,  The Stress Management Society has continuously supported this initiative, with this year’s theme being #BeTheChange. This is about encouraging individuals to take proactive steps to reduce stress in their own lives and communities. Highlighting the importance of personal agency, self-efficacy, and relational connection.[1]

Research shows workplace-related pressures are increasingly emerging as the primary source of stress leading to burnout, which is becoming one of the nation’s most significant workplace challenge.

What is burnout?

Burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to stress, particularly in the workplace. Unlike everyday stress, burnout does not resolve with short-term rest; it erodes motivation, confidence and wellbeing over time.[2]

The Burnout report which provides an annual snapshot of the nation’s stress levels reveals how 1 in 5 workers (20%) took time off work due to poor mental health caused by stress. Over 1 in 3 (35%) workers said they did not feel comfortable discussing high or extreme levels of stress with a manager, an increase of 3% compared to the 2025 report [3]. Indicating that the discomfort around discussing stress levels in the workplace shows no signs of improvement.

What can be done to reduce workplace stress?

• Ask your manager for help

Discuss your workload or concerns with your manager. Try setting realistic targets and talk about how you can solve the issues you're having, this can help reduce pressure and stress.

• Reward yourself for achievements

Rather than only focusing on work that needs to be done next, reward yourself for tasks you’ve completed. Your reward could be taking a break to read, doing a puzzle, chatting with co-workers or spending time outside.

• Be kind to your capacity  

You don't have to be perfect all the time. You might find that you're being more critical of your own work than you need to be. Work within your limitations and try to be kind to yourself. [4]

We recognise that work pressures, deadlines, and completing priorities can impact our wellbeing. As an organisation, we’re committed to creating an environment where it’s okay to talk about stress and ask for support.

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