Every April, Stress Awareness Month offers a vital opportunity to open up the conversation about something we all experience but often overlook—stress. In today’s fast-paced world, it's easy to normalise the constant pressure to do more, be more, and keep going, even when we’re feeling stretched too thin.
But stress isn’t just a fleeting feeling—it can have long-term impacts on both our physical and mental health. From sleep disturbances and anxiety to high blood pressure, weakened immunity and burnout, chronic stress can creep in quietly and affect our wellbeing in ways we might not realise until it's already taken a toll.
At Green Circle Solutions, we work with organisations committed to sustainability—not just environmentally, but socially too. And supporting employee wellbeing is a crucial part of building truly sustainable, responsible workplaces.
Stress May Be Inevitable—But Its Impact Doesn’t Have to Be
It’s unrealistic to remove all sources of stress from life or work. But there are practical, science-backed ways to reduce its negative effects. Here are three you can build into daily life:
1. Prioritise Movement: Even light activity like walking, stretching, or yoga can lower stress hormones and boost your mood.
2. Stay Connected: Don’t underestimate the power of talking to someone—be it a friend, colleague, or a professional. Social connection is a natural buffer against stress.
3. Make Space for Stillness: Short pauses in your day, time spent in nature, or mindfulness practices can help your mind and body reset.
Why Employee Wellbeing Matters for ESG and Sustainability
Employee wellbeing is no longer just a "nice to have"—it’s increasingly recognised as a core component of responsible business practice, and it’s reflected in leading sustainability and ESG frameworks.
📊 The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) includes employee health and safety, mental wellbeing, and working conditions within its GRI 403: Occupational Health and Safety and GRI 401: Employment standards. Organisations are encouraged to report on how they manage workplace stress, mental health support, and overall employee experience.
👉 Explore GRI 403: Occupational Health and Safety
💡 EcoVadis, a leading provider of business sustainability ratings, includes employee wellbeing under its Labour & Human Rights theme. Companies are assessed on how they promote health, safety, and wellbeing through policies, practices, and initiatives.
👉 EcoVadis Methodology Overview
🧭 ESSA (Event Supplier Sustainability Assessment) also recognises health, safety, and wellbeing as key indicators of sustainability. Their People pillar focuses on creating safe, fair, and inclusive work environments—where stress and burnout are proactively addressed.
👉 Explore ESSA Sustainability Framework
By embedding wellbeing into your sustainability strategy, you’re not only protecting your people—you’re strengthening your organisation’s long-term resilience, performance, and reputation.
💬 Helpful Resources for Managing Stress
- Mental Health Foundation: How to manage and reduce stress
- NHS Every Mind Matters: Stress and Mental Health
- Stress Management Society: Free resources and toolkits
Let’s Make Wellbeing Part of the Sustainability Conversation
At Green Circle Solutions, we help businesses embed wellbeing into their ESG and sustainability approach—supporting healthier people, stronger teams, and more responsible operations.
If you’d like to assess your current wellbeing practices, align with ESG frameworks, or understand how to report on employee wellbeing as part of your sustainability journey, get in touch.
👉 Contact us today to start the conversation about creating a workplace where people can truly thrive.