02920 829 100 
National Stress Awareness Day – Top tips for supporting staff
November 3, 2025
Wednesday 5 November is National Stress Awareness Day. 82% of respondents to Mind’s recent Big Mental Health Report 2025 stated that their mental health had a negative impact on their employment.
Stress and poor mental health can impact people’s ability to work and their lives while at work. It can present difficulties building relationships at work as well as potentially hindering job progression and promotion.
According to Mind’s report, those with a mental health issue are more likely to experience workplace stigma than people with a physical health condition.
It is therefore crucial for employers to know what to do to efficiently support an employee who is or might be suffering from a mental health issue. Our employment law experts have provided some key tips for employers when it comes to creating a positive, supportive working environment.
Encourage employees to speak to you if they are facing any particular problems at work or in their personal lives which may be affecting their ability to cope with work.
All managers and business leaders should be trained to identify and support employees who may be suffering from mental ill health, including stress, anxiety and depression. Consider training up dedicated mental health first aiders or champions who can be a first port of call for anyone who may need support or advice.
Professionals such as Occupational Health can be consulted, to ensure you and your staff are properly informed about what the situation is, how it may affect or be affected by the employee’s job, and what you can do to support them with this.
This ensures that all individuals who are suffering from mental ill health are supported and accommodated to help them remain in work. In cases where such illness may be long-running and severe enough to amount to a disability, there is a legal obligation on you to do so.
Mental ill health can recur even if someone’s symptoms seem to have disappeared, and sometimes employees may try to mask their symptoms. It is therefore important to regularly check in with your employees, perhaps during 1:1s which can be informal.
If you are an employer seeking advice on supporting your staff and their mental health, get in touch using our contact form or contact Heledd Ainsworth on hainsworth@darwingray.com or 029 2082 9100 to find out how we can help you.
To speak to one of our experts today, please contact us on 02920 829 100 or by using our Contact Us form for a free initial chat to see how we can help.
