Recent figures show that work-related stress, depression, and anxiety remain the leading causes of sickness absence in the UK. And for frontline staff - whether clinicians, social workers, or local authority employees - the emotional demands are higher than ever. We’ve seen first-hand how stress can undermine not just individual wellbeing, but service delivery, team culture, and even patient care.

The good news? With the right training, culture, and support, stress can be managed - and workplaces can thrive.

Leading with Love: What It Means in Practice 

The #LeadWithLove theme encourages leaders and colleagues to approach stress with empathy, not indifference. It’s about creating environments where people feel:

• Safe to speak up about their mental health

• Confident in their ability to manage stress

• Supported by policies and practices that prioritise wellbeing

At escalla, we embed this mindset in every programme we deliver. Whether we’re training NHS staff to use new clinical systems like Cerner or RiO, or coaching teams through change management initiatives, we prioritise the human experience. Learning should reduce stress, not add to it.

Practical Ways to Reduce Workplace Stress

While each organisation is different, here are five strategies we often support through our training:

1. Empower teams through knowledge

   Lack of confidence fuels stress. We deliver tailored training that equips staff to handle digital tools, clinical systems, or new ways of working — with clarity and competence.

2. Train leaders to spot early signs

   Our Mental Health and Wellbeing training helps managers and peers recognise when colleagues may be struggling, and respond with empathy and direction.

3. Create psychological safety

   In our change management and live training sessions, we encourage open dialogue and inclusion — essential ingredients for mental wellbeing.

4. Embed wellbeing into onboarding

   Bespoke eLearning content can streamline departmental inductions and ensure that new joiners feel confident and supported from day one.

5. Support teams through transition

   Whether you’re implementing digital transformation or adapting services, change can be stressful. We provide training and consultancy that puts people first.

escalla's Wellbeing-Focused Training Services

As part of our commitment to better workplaces, we offer:

• Mental Health and Wellbeing Programmes

Programmes designed to reduce stigma, build resilience, and equip employees with tools for managing stress — tailored for healthcare, government, and corporate teams.

• Compassionate Conversations Training

Supporting NHS staff in delivering sensitive communication with patients and families - helping reduce emotional burden and improve patient experiences.

• Digital Training with People in Mind

From clinical systems to soft skills, our digital training solutions are designed to make learning accessible, engaging, and stress-free.

• Bespoke Content for Process Change

Our custom eLearning helps simplify complex processes, streamline inductions, and reduce confusion - especially during organisational transitions or system upgrades.