Free HSE tool supports UK stress risk assessments

HSE introduces stress risk assessment resource for UK businesses

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a free online training module to help UK employers assess and manage the risk of work-related stress.

The new tool, announced to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week from 12 to 18 May, forms part of HSE’s Working Minds campaign.

The agency explained that the module offers step-by-step instructions for conducting workplace stress risk assessments, identifying causes and applying practical solutions.

According to HSE, around half of all work-related ill health in Great Britain is linked to stress, depression or anxiety.

The training aims to improve understanding among employers, particularly in small and medium-sized organisations, about their legal obligations and methods to support employee mental health.

Training designed to support legal compliance and business performance

Kayleigh Roberts, from HSE’s Engagement and Policy Division, said: “Preventing work-related stress isn’t just the right thing to do for your workers—it’s also a legal requirement.

“Our new online learning module aims to make it easier for businesses, particularly small to medium organisations to understand their obligations and what they need to do on a practical level.”

She continued: “This isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about embedding good practices into everyday business operations.

“By taking a proactive approach, employers can improve productivity, reduce sickness absence, and retain their valued workers.

“The module provides all the practical templates, tools and resources needed to get started or to review existing practices.”

HSE stated that the module aligns with existing guidance and aims to improve consistency in how stress risks are assessed and addressed across different sectors.

Six key areas of concern identified in workplace stress

HSE explained that work-related stress often arises when certain aspects of a role are not properly managed. It highlighted six categories where issues typically emerge: demands, control, support, relationships, role and change.

According to the agency, failing to properly manage these six areas can contribute to poor mental health outcomes and workplace dissatisfaction.

The module aims to provide structured guidance to address each of these areas through risk assessment and intervention.

The organisation said the tool has been designed to complement existing HSE guidance and is intended for use across multiple sectors.

Working Minds campaign encourages proactive routine

The new resource complements HSE’s broader Working Minds campaign, which promotes a five-step model to managing workplace stress known as the ‘5Rs’.

According to HSE, these are: Reach out and have conversations, Recognise the signs and causes of stress, Respond to risks by agreeing action points, Reflect on the actions taken and Make it Routine to check in regularly.

The agency said this approach supports early identification and response, helping employers to normalise conversations around mental health and improve long-term wellbeing in the workplace.

Employers can register for the online module via the Working Minds website.

Free HSE tool supports UK stress risk assessments: Summary

The Health and Safety Executive has launched a free online module for assessing work-related stress.

The tool is part of HSE’s Working Minds campaign and was released during Mental Health Awareness Week.

HSE reported that around half of work-related ill health is due to stress, depression or anxiety.

The module offers step-by-step advice, templates and tools for employers.

Kayleigh Roberts from HSE said the tool aims to help small to medium businesses meet legal obligations.

The module outlines how to identify and address six stress-related workplace risks.

The tool follows the Working Minds campaign’s ‘5Rs’ model.

Employers can register for the training through the Working Minds website.