A newly published industry report has brought into sharp focus the escalating issue of workplace stress across the UK and the corresponding demand for specialised stress management training. With stress-related illnesses now a leading cause of absenteeism, UK employers are being urged to invest more in professional training to equip staff and managers with effective coping strategies.

Key Findings from the Report

The report, drawing on data from over 1,500 UK organisations and thousands of employees, highlights several concerning trends:

  • More than 60% of workers surveyed reported experiencing increased stress levels over the past two years, with tight deadlines and workload pressures cited as major factors.
  • Stress-related absence accounted for nearly 60 million working days lost in 2023, according to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) statistics, representing a rise of 10% compared to the previous year.
  • Despite growing awareness, only 35% of organisations currently offer targeted stress management training to employees or line managers.
  • Employers identified a lack of qualified trainers as a significant barrier to implementing effective stress management programmes.

Implications for UK Employers

Experts say these findings underline the critical need for structured stress management training within UK workplaces. A spokesperson from a leading occupational health body commented,

"Employers who proactively provide training to identify and manage stress are better positioned to reduce absenteeism and improve overall workforce wellbeing."

The report recommends that organisations prioritise training programmes that not only raise awareness but also equip participants with practical tools to manage stress effectively. This includes training individuals to become certified stress management trainers capable of delivering ongoing support across teams.

Training providers such as Abertay Training offer certified courses designed to address this demand. Their Stress Management Trainer course, priced at £295 plus VAT, is delivered via live Zoom sessions or face-to-face across over ten UK venues including London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Edinburgh. This flexibility allows employers to choose options suited to their workforce's needs.

With the UK workforce facing increasing pressure, investing in accredited stress management training is poised to become an integral part of organisational health strategies.

Looking Ahead

As mental health continues to gain prominence in workplace policies, initiatives like stress management training are expected to grow in uptake. Employers seeking to meet legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act and reduce the human and financial costs of stress-related absence would benefit from integrating such training into their staff development programmes.

Further details on the Stress Management Trainer course and upcoming dates can be found at Abertay Training’s course page.