Preparation – provide the tools, resources and training needed to do the job well

Managing stress at work often comes down to balancing the demands of the job with the resources available to help us cope. Many workplace demands can’t easily be removed. Challenging situations, busy workloads and time pressures are often part of the role. That’s why it’s so important that people have the resources they need to do their jobs well. We need to make sure that the basic needs are met before we can tackle anything more complex.

These resources can include practical things such as appropriate equipment, technology, information, guidance and training. They can also include less tangible but equally important factors, such as having enough time to complete tasks and feel that staffing levels are adequate. Having access to the right resources can make a real difference to wellbeing at work. When people feel equipped and supported to do their job, they are better able to manage workplace pressures.

Preparation is about more than just having the right tools in the moment. It is also about having the knowledge, skills and confidence to deal with challenges when they arise. Research shows that people who feel well prepared for their role are less likely to experience burnout. Training can help build this sense of preparedness. Alongside role-specific skills, it is important that staff have opportunities to learn about stress, resilience and ways of coping with the emotional demands of their work.

Research also suggests that people are less likely to experience burnout when they feel confident in their abilities, use effective coping strategies and have strong resilience. While these qualities do not remove workplace pressures, they can help people respond to them more effectively. The good news is that these skills can be developed over time. With the right support, guidance and training, people can build their confidence, strengthen their resilience and develop healthier ways of coping with challenges.

Return to the overview of the evidence or click the cards below to read about the remaining fundamentals.

Download the full evidence review