Managing Stress in the Office: A Guide for Stress Awareness Month

April 4, 2025

April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to talk openly about the impact of stress on our lives, especially in the workplace. Since 1992, this national campaign has encouraged people to reflect on the causes of stress, share experiences, and explore practical ways to cope. It’s an opportunity to reset how we think about stress and, more importantly, how we manage it.

At Cambrai Court, as a provider of leased office spaces, we understand how the work environment can affect stress levels. That’s why we felt it was important to highlight this issue. Whether working in a fast-paced team or managing your own business from a quiet office, workplace stress is something many of us face, and it deserves attention.

For office workers, stress is often part of the daily routine. The pressure to meet deadlines, manage emails, attend meetings, and juggle priorities can build quickly. Over time, this stress doesn’t just wear us down mentally. It affects our physical health, our relationships, and even our productivity at work. Many of us are so used to the pace that we barely notice how it’s affecting us until we hit a wall. That’s why this month matters. It gives us space to acknowledge what we’re feeling and take steps to look after ourselves.

How Common Is Office Stress?

In the UK, stress at work is a growing concern.

  • 79% of British employees experience work-related stress regularly.
  • In 2023/24, 776,000 workers reported stress, depression, or anxiety caused or worsened by work.
  • That led to 16.4 million working days lost to stress-related illness.

These aren’t just numbers. They reflect how many of us are struggling with the pressure of work.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) points to high workload, tight deadlines, and a lack of support as key drivers.

The CIPD also highlights management style and poor communication as significant causes.

And yet, many people don’t feel they can speak up. According to a recent survey, only 40% of employees who feel stressed at work talk to their employer about it.

That’s why this month matters. We need to break the silence.

And we need to make work feel manageable again.

Five Ways to Manage Stress at Work

Here are five strategies that can help keep work stress in check.

They’re small, but they make a big difference.

1. Take Control of Your To-Do List

Feeling overwhelmed often starts with too many tasks and not enough time.

Break your day into chunks. Prioritise. Ask: What really needs doing today?

Delegate where you can. Don’t be afraid to say when something needs to wait.

Studies show that feeling in control is key to reducing stress.

2. Set Boundaries Between Work and Home

It’s tempting to check emails in the evening. Or finish that one last task.

But work-life balance matters. Logging off on time helps your brain switch off.

Give yourself a proper lunch break. Avoid the habit of eating at your desk.

One report found 23% of employees feel anxious about work messages after hours.

Set limits. Your mental health is worth it.

3. Step Away From the Screen

Hours at your desk can leave you drained.

Take short breaks. Stretch. Walk around the office.

A few minutes of movement can clear your head.

A lunchtime walk is even better. Fresh air helps lower stress and boost focus.

At Cambrai Court, the peaceful garden areas make this easy. Just stepping outside for ten minutes can be enough.

4. Use Quiet Spaces When You Need To Focus

Modern offices can be noisy. That buzz can make stress worse.

Find a quiet place to work when you need to concentrate.

Cambrai Court’s private offices offer a calm environment with fewer interruptions.

Sometimes, just a change of scene helps reset your mind.

Noise-cancelling headphones work too. Do what helps you think clearly.

5. Don’t Go It Alone

Stress can feel isolating. But you’re not alone.

Talk to a colleague. A friend. Your manager.

Opening up can take the pressure off. And you might discover you’re not the only one feeling that way.

Resources like Mental Health at Work and Mind offer advice and support.

You can also speak to your GP if you feel persistently stressed or low.

Final Thoughts

Stress Awareness Month is a reminder that workplace stress is real – and that we don’t have to accept it as the norm.

By making small changes, we can create a calmer, more supportive working day.

At Cambrai Court, features like our quiet private offices and relaxing gardens offer natural ways to step back and recharge.

If stress is starting to build, take that as your signal. Pause. Reflect. Reset.

Better balance starts with one small step.

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