2024 marks a significant milestone for both the International Stress Management AssociationUK (ISMA) and the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA), both celebrating their 50th anniversaries. Additionally, it is the 20th anniversary of the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Management Standards on stress. These anniversaries provide a timely opportunity to reflect on the strides we’ve made in health and wellbeing, and to consider what we know now that we didn’t know 50 years ago.
From Stigma to Awareness
When ISMA was first established and when the HSWA was enacted, conversations around stress, mental health, and wellbeing were minimal, and often laden with stigma. The terms ‘stress,’ ‘mental health,’ and ‘burnout’ were almost taboo in the workplace, leaving those affected by these issues to suffer in silence. However, over the last few decades, these words have entered everyday discourse. This shift in language reflects growing awareness of mental health issues, thanks to the efforts of organisations like ISMA and initiatives like International Stress Awareness Day, which I established in 1998. While the stigma around stress and mental health has lessened, it has by no means disappeared.
Progress in Employee Wellbeing
One of the most notable developments over the years is that employees now feel more empowered to speak up about their mental health struggles. Open discussions about stress in the workplace are more accepted, and many organisations have implemented support systems to help employees cope with pressure. However, despite this progress, many employees still hesitate to speak up, fearing they will be perceived as weak or face repercussions. This reluctance shows that while we’ve come a long way, there is still work to be done to create environments where employees feel truly safe and supported.
Creating a Supportive Work Culture
At the heart of employee wellbeing is the need for workers to feel valued and respected. The way a company manages its employees can make or break their mental health. While an organisation may not be able to change every system, it can certainly change how it manages them. Employees should feel like more than just a number—they need to be recognised for their contributions and heard when they voice concerns. When people feel respected and supported, their ability to manage stress improves, benefiting both the individual and the organisation.
The Impact of COVID-19 and Hybrid Working
The COVID-19 pandemic transformed the way we work, introducing hybrid working models that have since become a permanent fixture in many organisations. Employees now expect more flexibility in their working arrangements and may leave companies that don’t accommodate these preferences. This shift in work culture has opened up new discussions about the mental health implications of remote and hybrid work, and employers are increasingly focusing on the psychological and emotional wellbeing of their teams, alongside physical health.
A Holistic Approach to Health and Safety
The Health and Safety at Work Act emphasises an employer’s duty of care to employees but, for too long, this duty has been interpreted narrowly, focusing primarily on physical health. Today, there is a growing recognition that a truly caring environment must address all aspects of health—physical, psychological, emotional, and even spiritual. Organisations that take a holistic approach to employee wellbeing are better positioned to retain talent, foster engagement, and enhance productivity.
Moving Forward with Confidence
While there is still room for improvement, we should acknowledge the significant progress made over the last 50 years in the field of workplace health and wellbeing. Today, mental health is no longer a hidden issue, and organisations are beginning to understand that their greatest asset is their people. As we look to the future, we must continue to build on this momentum, ensuring that every workplace not only recognises but actively supports the wellbeing of its employees. By doing so, we can create healthier, more productive environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Carole Spiers serves as CEO of a UK-based Stress Management Consultancy, with her work extending successfully across both the UK and international landscapes. She is acknowledged for her expertise in resilience, health, and wellbeing, contributes as a BBC Guest-Broadcaster, and is the author of ‘Show Stress Who’s Boss!’
She also holds the position of Chair at ISMAUK and engages audiences globally as a motivational speaker. Her expertise is regularly sought by the national press and media and as founder of International Stress Awareness Week.
ISMA website: www.isma.org.uk
Email address: chair@isma.org.uk
