Recognising Stress Hotspots: Which Employees Need Extra Support?

In the UK, nearly one-third of working parents and carers report experiencing high levels of stress. This issue not only affects the wellbeing of employees but also has significant implications for employers, with our latest MFI Report finding that 80% of those who identify as 'very stressed' struggle to maintain focus at work.¹

As an employer, addressing high stress levels among employees is essential - not only for the wellbeing of your team but also for the overall success of your organisation. By implementing effective support strategies, you can improve employee wellbeing and drive better business performance. But how can you identify which roles and departments are facing high stress, and provide the right support to help both your employees and your business thrive?

Working carers and parents

One of the most significant stress-inducing challenges for many employees is balancing home and work life. This issue is especially prevalent for working parents and caregivers, as they navigate competing responsibilities.

This is reinforced in the MFI Report 2025, 15% of working parents report that juggling work with childcare responsibilities negatively impacts their job performance. Additionally, 64% of parents and 79% of carers experience care breakdowns that conflict with their work commitments.

By providing support - whether through flexible working arrangements, back-up care provisions, subsidised access to childcare, or family-related mental health advice - employers can better support their staff and reduce the negative effects on both personal and professional lives.

Women

The report also highlights that women are disproportionately affected by this stress, with 53% of women carrying the mental load of parenting compared to 27% of men. This added burden can intensify stress, making it even more difficult for women to balance work and family duties. By offering access to mental health advice, coaching services, reliable care cover, and encouraging open conversations about challenges women face, employers can create a more supportive and empowering environment that helps women succeed and contribute their full potential to the organisation.

Sectors with high stress levels

Stress can impact employees in any role or department, but certain sectors are particularly prone to higher levels of stress and are more vulnerable to burnout.

One sector significantly affected by stress is healthcare, especially within the NHS. The average stress level in this sector is 6.3 out of 10, notably higher 6.0 average across the broader survey population. Similarly, the legal sector is another area with high stress. A substantial 36% of legal professionals report experiencing the highest stress levels, compared to 29% of the overall MFI population.²

Employers in high-stress sectors have a responsibility to acknowledge the unique pressures their employees face and take proactive steps to reduce stress and prevent burnout. Recognising that certain roles come with inherently high demands is the first step toward creating meaningful support. From there, organisations can implement targeted initiatives such as regular mental health check-ins, access to professional coaching or wellbeing resources, and clear signposting to support services. Promoting a healthy work-life balance is equally important - this can be achieved through flexible working arrangements, manageable workload expectations, and access to back-up care services. Together, these measures not only enhance employee wellbeing but also support sustained performance and long-term organisational resilience.

Certain roles and departments are particularly vulnerable to high levels of stress due to the nature of the work involved. These positions often require employees to manage heavy workloads, meet tight deadlines, and deal with high-stakes situations, all of which can contribute to elevated stress levels.

Overall, while stress can impact any role or department, these high-stress sectors are particularly prone to burnout and require careful attention from employers to ensure that employees receive the support they need to manage the pressures of their work.

Identifying stress hotspots

To effectively address stress in the workplace, employers must first identify the areas within the company where stress levels are most acute. Recognising "stress hotspots" involves assessing both the roles and departments that may be more prone to high stress, as well as understanding the specific factors contributing to this pressure. Here are some key indicators to watch for:

Increased Absenteeism: Frequent sick days or unexplained absences.
Decreased Productivity: Drop in performance or slower task completion.
Mood Changes: Irritability, frustration, or disengagement.
More Mistakes: Increased errors or oversight in tasks.
Physical Symptoms: Headaches, fatigue, or tension.
Social Withdrawal: Avoidance of team interactions or isolation.
Frequent Leave Requests: Regular requests for personal or emergency leave.
Decline in Engagement: Lack of participation or enthusiasm.
Workload Complaints: Concerns about deadlines or being overwhelmed.
Conflicts: Arguments or increased friction within teams.
Signs of Burnout: Emotional exhaustion and a sense of reduced accomplishment.

When employees experience high levels of stress, it can negatively impact the organisation in several ways:

Higher Turnover: Increased recruitment and training costs.
Decreased Engagement: Less motivation and participation.
Poor Work Quality: More errors and mistakes.
Higher Healthcare Costs: Increased medical claims and premiums.
Customer Dissatisfaction: Lower service quality.
Low Team Morale: Tension and reduced collaboration.
Legal Risks: Potential workplace health and safety issues.
Talent Retention: Difficulty keeping high performers.

How employers can support employees and teams

Bright Horizons offers practical, personalised solutions that ease employee stress. From reliable backup childcare and eldercare to wellbeing support and coaching, Bright Horizons helps working parents and carers manage their responsibilities more effectively. Whether it’s securing reliable care during busy work periods or getting advice on work-life balance, Bright Horizons helps employees stay focused, reduce stress, and feel supported - both at work and at home.

Explore our full range of solutions here.

[1] Modern Families Index 2025 | Bright Horizons Work+Family Solutions

[2] MFI Legal Sector Cut 2025 | Bright Horizons Work+Family Solutions