Stress can place immense demands on employees' physical and mental health and affect their behaviour and performance. It's a major cause of long-term absence from work, and knowing how to manage the factors that can cause work-related stress is key to managing people effectively. Employers should take a systematic approach to identifying the risks of stress, for example by conducting stress risk assessments.

This factsheet defines stress and draws the distinction between stress and pressure. It offers information on signs of stress and concludes with guidance on how to deal with stress at work, providing information on prevention and early intervention.

Explore our viewpoint on employee health and wellbeing in more detail.

To continue reading, log in or become a member

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.

  • Access to exclusive, up-to-date resources
  • Become part of a community to learn, debate and connect with other people professionals
  • Free access to a series of CIPD learning courses and a discount on the rest of our catalogue
  • Tools

    Stress tools

    Use our range of practical tools to help you spot the signs of stress and take steps to manage and reduce workplace stress.

    For Members
  • Factsheet

    Personal relationships in the workplace

    This factsheet looks at the policies and procedures employers can put in place around relationships in the workplace, to mitigate risks to the business and their employees

    For Members
  • Factsheet

    Bonuses and incentives

    Understand the basics of bonuses and incentives, the trends in their application, and how to design and operate schemes effectively and ethically

    For Members
  • Factsheets