Stress Levels Are Rising at Work – Here’s What Leaders Can Do About It

Right now, stress in the workplace is at an all-time high.

Employees are feeling the squeeze from all directions:

• Rising living costs
• Increased National Insurance deductions
• Global uncertainty, with U.S. tariffs (thanks, Trump) pushing up supply chain costs

And inside the business? Employers are under pressure too—with higher costs, tighter margins, and difficult decisions to make.

It’s a cocktail of anxiety, and it’s showing up at work—in disengagement, burnout, and a growing sense of job insecurity.

But as leaders, we have a choice: react or respond.

This is the moment to strengthen internal communication, reassure your teams, and lead with transparency. Create space for conversations, acknowledge the pressure, and give people clarity on what’s being done to navigate the uncertainty.

From a practical perspective, businesses should also be looking at:

• Wellbeing support (mental health tools, flexible working, coaching)
• Performance management that focuses on development, not just KPIs
• And retention strategies that show staff they’re valued—even when budgets are tight

I’ve helped organisations build this kind of culture under pressure—and I can help yours too.

If you’re seeing signs of stress ripple through your teams, let’s talk about how to manage it now, before it becomes something bigger.