Managers need to do more to combat stress in the workplace, a leading human resources watchdog has said.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) believes that “practical guidance is badly needed to help improve the quality of line management across the UK”.

The call comes as the CIPD, in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive and Investors in People, launched its most recent body of guidance for UK managers.

According to the CIPD, stress and other related health problems cost British businesses £26 billion every year in downtime.

Management advice from the CIPD includes being up-front and honest with staff and consistent in management style, as well as setting realistic deadlines.

Ben Willmott, employee relations adviser at the CIPD, said: “This research and guidance shows that managing stress at work is part and parcel of good people management.

“Employers that invest in training and developing their managers to ensure they exhibit the behaviours that manage stress at work will also reap benefits in terms of reduced conflict and staff turnover, as well as increased motivation and commitment.”