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 76% of those who identify as 'very stressed' are sometimes so stressed they find it hard to function.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 2026, with 57% of parents having experienced at least one day of care breakdown that clashed with work. 

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 the pressures of caregiving duties alongside a career. 25% of women take unpaid time off for short-term childcare needs versus only 21% 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. 

Observations by sector 

Legal sector: Employees in the legal sector are close to burnout. 35% state their stress levels are regularly 8-10/10, with only 11% identifying low stress (1-3/10). 

Professional services sector: Care gaps cost time, money and stress. Professional services employees each lost an average of 4 days last year to childcare breakdowns 

Pharma sector: A staggering 38% in the pharma industry report high stress (8-10/10) - a steady increase from last year’s findings. 

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, slower task completion and an increase in errors. 

• Mood changes: irritability, frustration, or disengagement 

• Social withdrawal: avoidance of team interactions or isolation 

• Workload complaints: concerns about deadlines or being overwhelmed 

• When employees experience high levels of stress, it can negatively impact the organisation including: 

• Higher turnover: increased recruitment and training costs 

• 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 

• How employers can support employees and teams 

Bright Horizons offers practical, personalised solutions that ease employee stress. From reliable back-up 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.