Workers may be feeling an increase in stress that is 

negatively impacting their work and overall well-being. If left 

unchecked, increased stress over prolonged periods can lead 

to mental health challenges. Employers can help their staff 

manage stress by: 

• Identifying what factors are making it harder for workers to 

get their jobs done and determining if adjustments can be 

made to lessen the burden. 

• Determining whether staff need mental health support. 

One way to get this information is to ask workers directly 

what challenges they are experiencing and what kind of 

support they need. Some employers may be able to gather 

this information through one-on-one conversations, but 

others may wish to distribute surveys that workers can 

answer anonymously. If surveys are distributed periodically, 

the information gleaned will help employers determine if 

their workers’ needs and experiences are changing and if the 

services employers are offering are working. 

Below are sample questions that employers may consider 

including in a survey. The use of open-ended questions and 

multiple-choice is recommended. However, employers may 

choose different formatting based on their workforce. 

Note that section 11(c) of the Occupational Safety and Health 

Act of 1970, 29 U.S.C. § 660(c)(1), prohibits employers from, 

among other things, discriminating against an employee for 

raising safety concerns in the workplace. To the extent an 

employee may be experiencing such concerns, reminding 

them of these protections may encourage more forthcoming 

responses to these questions.

Sample Questions

• On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the highest), what was your average stress level at work over the 

past month?

• What worries you the most about your job?

Find Out What Your 

Workers Need to Support 

Their Mental Health and 

Reduce Workplace Stress 

Distributing Surveys

The best approach for 

distributing surveys will differ 

based on an organization’s 

size and current working 

conditions (i.e., remote versus 

onsite operations). Some 

options for consideration 

include: 

• Printing out the survey, 

asking onsite workers to 

place their completed 

surveys in a secure 

“suggestion box,” and 

letting them know they 

do not have to identify 

themselves.

• Loading questions into an 

online survey tool (some of 

which are free) that can be 

completed anonymously 

and sending the link to 

workers. 

• Asking an employee 

assistance program 

to manage the survey 

responses.
• Does your supervisor talk about and look for ways to reduce workplace stress? Yes No

• Is there anything specific we (your managers and supervisors) could do to alleviate the stress 

you are feeling related to work? Yes No 

If yes, please provide a detailed response to explain how we could make things better. 

• How would you describe your work-life balance during the past month? 

Great Satisfactory Bad Terrible No opinion

Is it better, worse, or the same as last year? 

Better Worse Same No opinion

• Would you talk with coworkers or your supervisor (or an employee assistance program 

representative) about stress and mental health issues if you needed assistance? Yes No

If no, what would hold you back?

• Did you know that [insert your organization’s name here] has an employee assistance program 

(EAP)? Yes No. If yes:

Note to employers: You may wish to keep this question open-ended. Alternatively, you 

could provide multiple options (and ask respondents to check all that apply) to gauge how 

prevalent certain stressors are in your workplace. Potential options include: 

My workload increased because I now have to . 

I do not think we have enough protective measures in place at work. Here is what I think 

needs to improve: .

My customers/clients/patients are confrontational.

I am afraid of getting into an argument with customers who refuse to follow safety 

protocols. 

I am having more trouble juggling my personal obligations (e.g., childcare, elder care) 

than I did before. 

I do not have all the tools or training I need to complete my work productively from 

home. 

I am worried about job security.

I am afraid that my job performance has declined.

Other (please specify: .)

• Has your stress level at work increased in the past month? Yes No

If yes, what factors have made it worse?
• Do you think [insert your organization’s name here] provides enough mental health resources? 

Yes No. If no, what suggestions do you have for improvement?

• Would you be interested in attending virtual social events to help you connect with your 

coworkers?

Yes No. If yes, what sounds appealing (e.g., virtual book clubs, coffee breaks)?

• Please tell us if there is anything else you would like to share or any suggestions you would like 

to make about ways to manage workplace stress and support workers’ mental health.

Note to employers: You may wish to keep this question open-ended. Alternatively, you 

could provide multiple options (and ask respondents to check all that apply) to gauge your 

workers’ interest in services that you are willing to consider. Potential options include: 

Meditation sessions Mindfulness classes Stress reduction workshops

Yoga classes Exercise classes Other (please specify: )

 • osha.gov/workplace-stress • 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) • @OSHA_DOL 

• Do you know how to use the EAP if you need support with a problem or mental health 

issue? Yes No

• Do you know how to contact an EAP representative to talk? Yes No

• Are you interested in having access to mental health resources at work? This can include access 

to counseling, therapy, substance use prevention resources, etc. Yes No

If yes, please provide suggestions. 

If no, why not?