Stress Awareness Month is here, an important time to reflect on the impact of stress in the workplace and how organisations can help reduce it. Stress can be felt in so many ways, which leads to workplace burnout, absenteeism and poor mental health. A recent survey conducted by Ciphr HR found that that 86% of people feel stressed at least one day a month.

Managing stress through techniques like mindfulness, exercise, breaks, and effective workload management can help individuals and teams thrive in the workplace. One effective way to combat stress and promote mental wellbeing in the workplace is through a robust employee benefits platform. These platforms offer a variety of tools and resources that can help employees manage stress, improve their mental health and ultimately increase job satisfaction and productivity.

What are employees looking for?

Employees are actively choosing a company that prioritises mental health, they are checking if the company has clear policies around mental health support, such as dedicated wellness programs, counseling services, or mental health days. They are seeking flexible working options that offer remote work, flexible hours, or reasonable workloads often show a commitment to reducing stress for their employees.

They pay attention to how the company fosters a culture of openness, and finally, employees look for benefits that prioritise mental health, such as access to therapy, stress management workshops, meditation apps, or fitness reimbursements.

How an Employee Benefits Platform Helps Alleviate Stress

1. Access to Mental Health Resources

One of the most effective ways to support employee wellbeing is to provide access to mental health services. A comprehensive employee benefits platform can offer resources such as employee assistance programs (EAPs), counselling services and online mental health tools. These resources give employees the support they need to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges in a confidential and convenient manner.

2. Flexible Working Arrangements

Flexibility is a powerful tool in reducing stress. A robust benefits platform often includes options for remote work, flexible hours or job sharing. Offering employees the ability to balance their work and personal lives on their terms helps reduce the pressure to perform in traditional office settings. Employees who have a sense of autonomy over their schedules often report lower stress levels and better overall wellbeing. Schemes such as holiday trading is a great way to show employees that you appreciate their need for time away from work to unwind and come back empowered.

3. Financial Support and Wellness

Financial stress is a significant contributor to overall stress levels. Providing employees with access to financial planning services, budgeting tools or even salary advances through a benefits platform can help alleviate some of these pressures. This can be through a discount platform, giving employees rewards to congratulate them for their hard work, or simply the ability to change their pension to salary sacrifice so they are saving more for retirement.

4. Physical Health and Wellness Programs

Physical wellbeing is deeply connected to mental health. Many employee benefits platforms include resources to support physical health, such as gym memberships, wellness challenges or access to discounts for health services. Regular physical activity helps release endorphins, reduce anxiety, and improve mood—all of which can help combat workplace stress.

Additionally, offering employees access to nutrition counselling, massage therapy, or relaxation techniques can go a long way in reducing stress and improving their overall sense of wellbeing.

5. Promoting a Positive Work Culture

A good employee benefits platform doesn’t just provide individual resources—it can also help foster a culture of care within an organisation. Features such as peer recognition programs, wellness workshops, and team-building activities can create a positive and supportive work environment. When employees feel valued and appreciated, their stress levels tend to decrease and they are more likely to be engaged and productive.

6. Support for Family and Caregiving Responsibilities

Many employees face the stress of balancing work with caring for family members, whether it's children, aging parents, or spouses. A robust benefits platform can include family care benefits such as childcare support, elder care resources, or parental leave. When employees know they have support in managing these responsibilities, they are better able to focus on their work and manage stress effectively.

The Bottom Line: A Stronger, Healthier Workforce

Investing in a robust employee benefits platform isn’t just about providing perks—it’s about supporting the mental wellbeing and overall health of your workforce.

By offering the right tools, resources and flexibility, employers can significantly reduce workplace stress, helping employees feel valued, supported and better equipped to handle their personal and professional challenges.

As we observe Stress Awareness Month, let’s take this opportunity to remember that reducing workplace stress is not only an act of compassion—it’s a smart business strategy. Employees who feel supported and have the right resources at their disposal are more likely to be productive, engaged and loyal to their organisation.

Let’s create workplaces where stress is managed proactively, and mental wellbeing is a priority. The rewards are immeasurable—not just for employees, but for the organisation as a whole.