Fiducia TogetherMental health at work
The employer's duties, and the practical measures that work.
Please note: This page explains what a term means. It is general information, not legal, financial, tax or investment advice, and it does not know anything about your business. Before you sign, file or commit to anything, check it with an accountant, a solicitor, or the official guidance we link to.
What it means
Employers have a duty to assess and manage risks to health including work-related stress, and mental health conditions can be disabilities under the Equality Act.
Why it matters
Stress risk assessment is a legal requirement that most small employers have never done. The HSE Management Standards provide a free framework.
What it looks like in practice
The six Management Standards areas: demands, control, support, relationships, role and change. They are the diagnostic.\n\nAdjustments for mental health are often small — hours, workload, a different reporting line, time for appointments.
What to watch out for
Treating a mental health condition as a conduct or capability issue without considering whether it is a disability.
Where to get proper advice
The HSE's stress guidance and free risk assessment tools. Mind's workplace resources.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains what a term means. It is general information, not legal, financial, tax or investment advice, and it does not know anything about your business. Before you sign, file or commit to anything, check it with an accountant, a solicitor, or the official guidance we link to.