Access evidence base

Summary of evidence

The summary of evidence provides an overview of the topic area. It provides definitions and common understanding around the topic, the importance of addressing the topic at work, and then a summary of the literature (both practitioner and academic) aimed at addressing the topic at work.

Academic research

We have selected some of the strongest academic research regarding interventions to manage stress at work and provided summaries below. All studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals and are presented under three headings: Reviews of Stress Management Interventions – a summary of leading systematic reviews and meta-analyses of stress management intervention research; Individual Interventions – stress management activity focused at the individual; and Organisational Interventions – stress management interventions focused at the organisation.

Practitioner research

Some of the strongest practitioner evidence regarding interventions to manage stress at work has been summarised below. These are empirical studies or work of publishable quality that provide case studies and reviews of interventions conducted in the workplace.

The studies are presented under four headings: Manager Interventions; Comparative reviews of Stress Management Interventions; Organisational Interventions and Individual Interventions.

Access tools and guidance

Tools for individual employees

A number of individual tools shown to help reduce symptoms of stress, and improve individual and organisational outcomes, are delivered in one to one or small group settings by a qualified or trained practitioner. Examples are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or relaxation therapy, each of which have their own suite of tools and exercises to foster the skills and thought processes relevant to reducing stress. We have provided some useful links to free to use resources from reputable sources, and provided information on how to access relevant professionals. Given the significant number of practitioners in this field, we are not able to endorse individuals here, nor are we able to detail specific exercises that require supervision and guidance by trained professionals. It may also be important for you to understand stress at work in terms of employment law so we have included some useful summaries. We are not able to recommend legal advice, but if you require advice we suggest contacting Citizens Advice https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

 

It may also be useful to refer to the individual tools in the topic Mindfulness in the workplace, for more information about these mindfulness tools please click here 

Tools for leaders and managers

These tool kits and guidance documents are designed to help line managers manage stress at work. They are useful for line managers themselves, and for practitioners considering how to support, train and develop line managers.

 

It may also be useful to refer to the tools for leaders and managers in the topic Mindfulness in the workplace, for more information about these mindfulness tools please click here 

Tools for organisations and practitioners

A range of toolkits and guidance documents developed to manage work stress are provided below. These resources have been designed to help practitioners develop an organisational approach to managing stress at work with different toolkits offering guidance, tools to measure stress at work, user guides, case studies and training aids.

 

It may also be useful to refer to the tools for organisations and practitioners in the topic Mindfulness in the workplace, for more information about these mindfulness tools please click here 

Access national policy implications

White papers and position statements

A number of documents that relate to national policy implications are provided below. The resources are aimed at helping organisations to implement national policies and laws relating to stress at work.

Institutional sponsor campaigns

Some of our sponsors have campaigns specific to this topic which are detailed below.

Other related topics...

If you would like to be informed via email when new information is added to the Hub

We aim to update all the evidence and tools in the Hub on a regular basis in order to ensure that the Hub remains the essential resource for evidence-based practitioners. If you would like to be informed via email when new information is added to the Hub, please complete the form below. Please note, we will not pass your information on to any third parties and will only use this information to contact you about the Hub.

Type of stakeholder
I'm none of those Show more options
ALL TOPICS
Stress
Healthy leadership
Common Mental Health Problems
Office Design for Health and Wellbeing
Mental Health Discrimination
Mindfulness in the workplace
Obesity
Resilience
Burnout
Engagement
Chronic illness
Return to work following mental health sickness absence
Menopause
Technology and wellbeing
Cancer
Measuring psychological wellbeing
Musculo-skeletal disorders
Neurodiversity
Compassion in the workplace
Mental Health Awareness
Men's Mental Health
You are now subscribed to our newsletter on selected topics

What do you think of the Hub?





NEXT
BACK
NEXT

Type of stakeholder
I'm none of those Show more options
BACK
SUBMIT

Thank you for your feedback

Affinity Health at Work