Preventing Work-Related Stress in 2025: A Guide for our Members
Work-related stress remains a significant challenge across all industries, including landscaping. According to the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) latest statistics, around 50% of all reported work-related ill-health cases are attributed to stress, depression, or anxiety. This equates to an estimated 776,000 cases, with each case leading to an average of 21.1 days off work. For landscaping professionals, stress can stem from tight project deadlines, seasonal workload pressures, and the physical demands of the job. Proactively addressing workplace stress is not just a legal requirement but also a vital step toward safeguarding the well-being and productivity of your team.
Start the Year Off Right
Employers are legally required to prevent work-related stress and promote good mental health. This includes incorporating stress prevention into risk assessments and taking meaningful action. Here's how you can start:
Use the HSE’s Working Minds Campaign Calendar 2025: Plan key activities throughout the year to address stress management and mental well-being. Link here.
Schedule Reviews: Put time aside to assess or revisit your existing strategies for managing work-related stress.
Leverage Risk Assessment Templates: HSE provides templates and examples to simplify the process. Link here.
Complete Free Online Learning: Equip yourself and your team with HSE’s resources to better understand and prevent stress. Link here.
Learn to Prevent Stress in Five Steps
The HSE’s free online learning modules offer step-by-step guidance, tools, and resources to support proactive stress management. Here’s an outline of the five essential steps:
Reach Out: Start conversations about mental health. HSE’s Talking Toolkit is a great resource for facilitating open dialogue. Link here.
Recognise the Signs: Use the Stress Indicator Tool to identify potential stressors within your team. Link here.
Respond: Address identified risks promptly. Action might include reallocating tasks, adjusting schedules, or providing additional training.
Reflect: Regularly review the effectiveness of the measures you’ve implemented. Adjust as necessary based on feedback and outcomes.
Routine: Integrate stress management into daily operations. Regular check-ins and ongoing education can help sustain a culture of mental well-being.
Upcoming Resources and Events
Free Webinar
Join HSE’s free webinar on Tuesday, 28 January, at 10:30 am, to learn practical strategies for managing work-related stress using HSE standards and tools.
Topics include:
Recognising the impact of stress on your team
Applying HSE’s management standards to your workplace
Leveraging tools like the Stress Indicator Tool for better outcomes
Vital Statistics Poster 2024
Stay informed with HSE’s Vital Statistics Poster, summarising the 2023–2024 health and safety data in a visually engaging format. This resource can help you communicate the importance of stress prevention to your team. Link here.
Why this matters to members
As leaders in an industry that demands physical and mental resilience, landscaping employers have a unique responsibility to foster a supportive environment. By addressing stress proactively, you can reduce absenteeism, improve team morale, and create a workplace culture that prioritises health and well-being.
Let’s make 2025 the year we build not just beautiful landscapes but also healthier workplaces!