This year’s ISMAUK flagship event on Stress Awareness Day was a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come in raising awareness about stress and wellbeing on a global scale. Under the theme “Optimising Employee Health & Wellbeing through Strategic Stress Management,” this year’s Summit brought together an exceptional line-up of international speakers, practitioners, and thought leaders — each contributing valuable insights into how we can build healthier, more resilient workplaces.
From policy to practice
There was a real sense of momentum and unity. The discussions around the latest updates to the HSE Management Standards and ISO guidelines were both timely and thought-provoking, underscoring how wellbeing is now firmly embedded in organisational strategy rather than treated as a peripheral issue.
Key Insights include:
- Leadership accountability is vital — wellbeing must be seen as a strategic priority.
- Human connection and emotional intelligence remain central to managing stress effectively.
- Technology should support, not replace, empathy in the workplace.
- Collaboration and shared purpose continue to drive meaningful progress.
Human-centred conversations
What stood out most was the warmth and authenticity of the conversations — from leadership accountability to inclusive wellbeing, from managing stress in hybrid teams to reframing mindset and emotional resilience. It was practical, relevant, and deeply human.
A truly international movement
This event also reinforced the truly international spirit of International Stress Awareness Week [3-7 November]. Our colleagues from across the globe joined the Summit, demonstrating how ISMAUK continues to unite professionals worldwide in the shared mission of improving mental health and wellbeing. Our international members in Italy are also hosting their own conference in Milan this week, with more than 1,000 delegates in attendance — a clear sign of the movement’s global reach and growing impact.
Teamwork at its best
It never ceases to amaze me how the entire ISMAUK team comes together to make this one very special week possible. The collaboration, enthusiasm, and dedication behind the scenes are what make it so successful year after year.
Looking ahead to 2026
Planning is already underway for next year’s Online Global Stress & Wellbeing Summit, which will take place on International Stress Awareness Day — Wednesday 4 November 2026, during International Stress Awareness Week (2–6 November). Our theme, “Shaping the Future of Stress & Wellbeing: From Tech to Emotional Intelligence,” will explore how technology can sit alongside empathy and emotional intelligence — reminding us that while the world becomes more digital, the human connection remains at the heart of wellbeing.
About the author
Carole Spiers MBE is a leading international stress consultant who helps senior executives and organisations thrive under pressure. She is CEO of the Carole Spiers Group, Chair of ISMAUK, and the founder of both International Stress Awareness Day and Week. Carole is the author of “Show Stress Who’s Boss!” and “Managing Stress in the Workplace,” and is a regular commentator on BBC, Sky, LBC and CNN. With over 25 years’ experience, she specialises in reducing stress, building resilience and managing change across the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
