From traffic problems on the morning commute to a looming deadline at work, we cannot fully protect ourselves against the everyday stresses that cause our brow to furrow or heart to race.

And at certain levels, stress is not necessarily a bad thing. Indeed, it is a natural response, and in some cases can help us rise to challenges or push us to perform at a higher level.

But when levels of stress outstrip our ability to cope, we can quickly feel overwhelmed. And if that feeling persists for a sustained period of time then there is the potential for both our mental and physical wellbeing to be put at risk.

Growing concern

It is difficult to paint a clear picture of the nation’s stress levels, but one survey suggests it is a prevalent and growing concern, with an estimated 86% of people feeling stressed at least once a month in 2024 compared with 79% in 2021. More worryingly, around three-quarters (74%) say they have felt overwhelmed or unable to cope at some point in the past year and one in nine (11%) say they experience stress every day.

Stress manifests itself in different ways. For some, it can trigger worries and anxiety while others might feel irritable and angry. Some people will experience physical symptoms, such as headaches or an upset stomach, while others will struggle to focus, think clearly, or get a good, restorative night’s sleep. Sometimes stress can also trigger changes to eating habits or lead individuals to use alcohol to harmful levels.

It is not a psychiatric condition in itself, but stress is recognised as a contributing factor to some mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. And since coping with the symptoms of a mental health problems can be a source of stress in itself, there is the potential for individuals to enter a downward spiral.

Protective measures

It is helpful, therefore, for employees to have a clear understanding of stress and the associated problems it can have for their wellbeing if they are to take appropriate measures to protect themselves. This can help prevent situations escalating to uncontrollable or unmanageable levels, which can in turn lead to poor physical and mental health, personal difficulty, and absence from the workplace.

As referenced above, sources of stress are all around us – it can be driven by very personal forces, such as workplace pressures or difficulties in relationships, or it can arise in response to bigger picture events, such as geopolitical unrest, environmental change or threats to global health, such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

Employers are clearly unable to eradicate all of these potential triggers, but beyond operational measures to tackle work-related pressures, there are other practical ways of providing valuable support.

Valued benefits

In recent years, personal finances have been brought into sharp focus as a source of stress and this remains a key concern for many. The cost of living was cited as the most important issue facing the UK today by 84% of the public – only just behind the NHS (85%) – and consistently the most commonly reported reason for increased pressure on household finances is the price of a food shop.

This situation partly explains why supermarket vouchers are rated as one of the UK’s most valued workplace perks. Analysis of benefits data underlines this point, with 98% of employees that have access to supermarket discounts using them to supplement their weekly shopping, saving an average of £725 per employee per year.

In the run up to Christmas, as well as welcome savings on the cost of food, wider discounts at High Street or online retailers can also help ease the pressure on the cost of presents for family and friends.

Money worries for employees can also take the form of more underlying concerns about financial security. Employers can help tackle this stress through the offer of protection policies, such as Group Income Protection, Death in Service or Critical Illness Cover, which can provide valuable assurances of future financial support.

Promoting wellbeing

Such offerings can be complemented by a broader programme of education, guidance and advice on financial matters, which can help foster an enhanced sense of financial wellbeing among employees.

Benefits that encourage physical activity can also be valuable tools for tackling stress. Exercise is known to bring mental health benefits, and reducing the financial barrier via discounted memberships at gyms and health clubs can make it easier for employees to access facilities that have the potential to enhance both their physical and mental wellbeing.

And for those employees who reach the point where their wellbeing is compromised by stress, promoting access to an effective Employee Assistance Programme can provide a gateway to helpful, relevant professional support services.

Taken together, this combination of practical offers and bigger-ticket benefits can go a long way to helping alleviate the personal and professional pressures facing employees. Stress might be an ever-present in all of our lives, but employers are well-placed to provide a valuable toolbox for targeting the sources of this often-hidden risk to worker wellbeing.

The information contained within this communication does not constitute financial advice and is provided for general information purposes only. No warranty, whether express or implied is given in relation to such information. Vintage Corporate or any of its associated representatives shall not be liable for any technical, editorial, typographical or other errors or omissions within the content of this communication.