April is Stress Awareness Month – a timely reminder that stress isn’t just a personal issue, but a workplace one too.
In fact, the latest Health and Safety Executive (HSE) statistics show that stress, depression, and anxiety account for over 50% of all work-related ill health cases. Burnout, overwhelming workloads, and a lack of support are driving more people to breaking point. And yet, for many organisations, stress is still treated reactively, not proactively.
At People Lab, we believe that improving employee experience (EX) and engagement (EE) is one of the most powerful ways to reduce stress – not just for individuals, but across teams and organisations.
How EX and EE shape workplace stress
Stress doesn’t arise in a vacuum – it’s often a symptom of poor systems, misaligned values, lack of voice, or an inconsistent experience of work.
EX and EE act as both a buffer and a barometer.
When people feel heard, respected, and connected to meaningful work, their resilience improves. They’re also more likely to flag issues early and engage in open conversations around workload, wellbeing, and support.
Here are 3 practical ways to reduce workplace stress:
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Listen more, not just louder: Regular, intentional check-ins and feedback loops help uncover hidden stressors and show employees they’re genuinely being heard.
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Flex your approach: Consider how policies, tech, and workplace norms can better support neurodiversity, life outside work, and different working styles.
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Support line managers: They’re often the first port of call when stress hits – but who’s supporting them? Equip them with tools, training, and safe spaces too.
Need support? We can help.
From experience audits to EX strategy and engagement design, we work with clients to create more human, sustainable workplaces – where people can do their best work without sacrificing their wellbeing. Whether you’re just starting to explore EX or looking to embed wellbeing into your culture, we’ll help you design practical, people-centred approaches that reduce stress at the root and improve everyday experiences.
And in the meantime, why not explore our Wellbeing Toolkit, where you’ll find powerful conversations from our Reset Show podcast archives – including expert insights on workplace mental health and how to lead with empathy.
The data is clear: investing in EX and engagement is investing in wellbeing. Let’s make stress at work the exception, not the norm – and create experiences that help people thrive, not just survive.
