In recent years, more and more companies have started to recognise the importance of mental health and stress management in the workplace. As businesses realise how stress impacts not just employees but also the overall success of their organisation and customer satisfaction, many have rolled out initiatives like flexible working hours, wellness programs, and policies promoting work-life balance. These all sound great in theory, right? But interestingly, some employees report that these well-intentioned efforts are actually causing them more stress.

So, can it be true? Could employers’ attempts to reduce work-related stress actually be adding to it? Maybe, just maybe, there’s a gap between what companies think will help and what employees actually need. Let’s take a closer look at some common workplace strategies, how they sometimes backfire, and what companies can do to truly support their teams.

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This article was first published in the 2025 Best Practice Guide - Raising Standards

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