National Stress Awareness Day 2025

5th November marks National Stress Awareness Day, part of International Stress Awareness Week.

This year’s theme is “Optimising Employee Wellbeing through Strategic Stress Management” which highlights the importance of fostering psychologically safe workplaces and promoting proactive approaches to wellbeing.

Stress touches everyone differently. What overwhelms one person may barely register for another and that’s why empathy, understanding, and meaningful support are so important. Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is simply listen.

For many people, when at work, that first safe space to talk often comes through their HR team.

While HR’s role is sometimes seen as policy or process-driven, behind the scenes it’s also about people - being there to check in, to listen without judgment, and to guide colleagues toward the help and resources they need. HR professionals are often the quiet connectors between individuals and the support that can make a real difference.

Creating a culture where employees feel comfortable saying, “I’m struggling”, starts with open communication, genuine care, and leaders who champion wellbeing and HR plays a vital part in shaping that culture every day.

If you or someone you know is feeling stressed or overwhelmed, there are fantastic organisations offering guidance and support – if unsure where to go then ask someone, do not stay silence.

We all need some help sometimes and the more people talk about struggles they have then the less cliché they become.

Let’s take today as a reminder that wellbeing at work is everyone’s business and that a supportive culture starts with listening, understanding, and caring for each other. ?

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