International Stress Awareness Week takes place annually. This campaign is led by the International Stress Management Association UK (ISMAUK), a UK charity, to raise worldwide awareness of stress and improve the management of stress in the workplace and in personal lives. Although the week took place on 2-7 November in 2025, its goal is always relevant.
The theme for 2025’s event was Optimising Employee Wellbeing through Strategic Stress Management. This theme endorses a workplace culture that prioritises growth, support, recognition, and psychological safety as essential. “By actively fostering and sustaining such a culture, organisations empower individuals to succeed while reaping the benefits of a healthier, more productive workforce, creating a win-win for employees and the organisation alike.”1
HSE champions the campaign, and this year it specifically reminded employers to
- Use its Talking Toolkit to engage employees in discussions about the possible causes of and solutions to stress
- Promote mental health with its round up of campaign partner resources
- Review your organisation’s workplace stress risk assessment and update it if necessary
Source
1. “International Stress Awareness Week 3-7 November,” International Stress Management Association UK, https://isma.org.uk/isma-international-stress-awareness-week. Accessed 11 November 2025.
