People manager guide: Managing stress at work
Practical guidance for managers on preventing and reducing stress at work
Practical guidance for managers on preventing and reducing stress at work
Work-related stress can be defined as the "adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them" at work. Since stress is a major cause of both short and long-term sickness absence, taking targeted action to help employees deal with work-related stress is crucial not only for employee wellbeing but for business success. The 2025 CIPD/Simplyhealth Health and wellbeing at work report found that organisations who invested in employee wellbeing saw a range of benefits, including higher employee engagement (39%), less sickness absence (39%) and enhanced employee performance (38%).
Managers have a role to play in spotting the signs, and managing and reducing workplace stress. They are perfectly placed to support teams to stay happy, healthy and engaged.
This guide supports managers who want to identify, and reduce workplace stress.
Affiliate membership offers instant access to CIPD resources without the need for assessments or study, or explore your options to become a professional member of the CIPD to demonstrate your commitment to the world of work.
Already a member? Login here.
Watch our webinar to explore how organisations can create a work environment that supports employees throughout their career including in menopause and fertility challenges as well as with their menstrual health.
Register now
Learn how to identify the signs of stress and address stress at work
Practical advice for people professionals to maximise the impact of engaging with all employees through employee voice channels
This guide provides a practical introduction to the role of an L&D function in an organisation. It offers support on the key steps to offering effective L&D, including creating a learning strategy, undertaking a learning needs analysis, designing learning interventions and measuring the impact of learning.
Understand what strategic workforce planning is and how to do it
A guide for people professionals to provide effective support
