Stress Awareness Month

Stress Awareness Month takes place every April and is a chance for people and organisations to pause, reflect and recognise how stress affects everyday life. Many readers will relate to feeling overwhelmed or juggling competing demands at home or at work.

At Xyla, part of Acacium Group, our teams understand how common these feelings are and how important it is to create safe spaces where people feel supported and able to ask for help.

Dan Lane, Group Wellbeing Manager, shares his perspective on why acknowledging stress early, encouraging open conversations and creating supportive environments helps people thrive. Through his work across Acacium Group, he sees how stress affects people differently and how important it is for colleagues and healthcare professionals to feel able to talk about what they are experiencing. His focus is on building a culture where wellbeing is part of everyday life and where simple, honest moments of

Why is stress awareness important in the workplace?

Key benefits of stress awareness in the workplace:

• Improves staff wellbeing by helping people recognise their triggers and develop healthy coping strategies
• Boosts focus and productivity by reducing avoidable stress-related challenges
• Strengthens teamwork and open communication
• Reduces health risks linked to long-term stress, such as ongoing anxiety or low mood
• Helps with retention by creating a healthier environment where people feel valued

A workplace that understands stress is better equipped to support it’s people and create a more resilient culture.

How can you recognise when an employee may be stressed?

Stress looks and feels different for everyone, but there are common signs that may suggest someone is finding things difficult. Knowing what to look for helps managers and colleagues start gentle, supportive conversations before things escalate.

Common signs of stress at work

• Lower productivity or difficulty meeting deadlines
• Noticeable shifts in mood such as frustration, irritability or withdrawal
• Physical symptoms including headaches, tiredness or frequent sickness
• Reduced motivation or loss of interest in tasks
• Increased absence or requests for time off

Being aware of these signs can encourage earlier intervention and help people feel noticed and supported.

How Xyla supports colleague wellbeing

At Xyla, our wellbeing approach sits across four key pillars: mental, physical, financial and social wellbeing. These pillars guide the way we support colleagues across Acacium Group and ensure people can access help that fits their needs.

Mental health support available to colleagues

• Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders) – We have 81 MHFAiders who are trained to offer initial support to someone experiencing a mental health challenge. They listen without judgement, notice early signs of difficulty and signpost colleagues to further help.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Our EAP provides confidential support for personal and work-related challenges. Colleagues can access counselling, stress management support, legal advice, financial guidance and help with family or relationship concerns. It is designed to improve wellbeing and morale for everyone who uses it.

• Digital therapies through Xyla – Colleagues in England can access digital therapies, delivered by skilled clinicians who specialise in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), counselling and talking therapies. Sessions are confidential and flexible, helping people get support in a way that suits their routine.

• CPD events – CPD events throughout the year bring together experts, personal stories, and useful strategies to help colleagues grow their confidence, resilience, and wellbeing skills. These sessions offer practical ideas people can use both at work and outside.

The importance of continuing the conversation

Stress Awareness Month is a reminder of how powerful it can be when organisations understand stress and respond with empathy. When workplaces recognise early signs and offer meaningful support, people feel safer, more valued and better able to manage everyday pressures.

By combining mental health programmes, workshops, and open conversations, organisations can empower colleagues to build resilience and feel more confident in navigating challenges. Continued awareness throughout the year helps create a healthier workforce and improves overall wellbeing and job satisfaction.