The duty to manage work-related stress isn't new: it's the same one that covers every other workplace risk. And since 30 October 2026, employers must also take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, and can be liable for harassment of staff by third parties such as customers and clients. Read the 8-point checklist.
It's already the law
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to assess risks to their employees' health, and that includes work-related stress.
HSE's six areas
HSE's Management Standards look at six areas of work: demands, control, support, relationships, role and change.
Assess, act, record
Managing it means identifying the risks, talking to employees, taking action and reviewing it. Employers with five or more employees must record the significant findings.
A wellbeing day is welcome. A risk assessment that people took part in is what counts.