Realistic tools to manage stress, build resilience, and thrive at work
Workplace stress is not new — but the intensity, pace, and cumulative impact of modern work means more people are operating close to their stress threshold than ever before.
Our Stress Management Training helps people understand how stress affects them, recognise early warning signs, and develop practical, evidence-based strategies to cope in the moment, recover effectively, and build long-term resilience.
This is not about eliminating stress altogether. It’s about learning how to work with it, rather than being overwhelmed by it.
Next course: 22 January 2026 (live, online classroom). Contact us if you’d like to bring this course in-house.
Is this stress management course right for you?
Who this training is for
This stress management course is ideal for:
Employees experiencing ongoing pressure or workload stress
Managers supporting stressed or overwhelmed team members
Leaders navigating high change, uncertainty, or competing demands
Teams working in fast-paced, high-responsibility environments
Anyone who wants practical tools to manage stress more effectively at work
No prior knowledge is required — the focus is on real-world application, not theory.
Who this training is not for
This stress management course is probably not for you if:
You’re looking for clinical or therapeutic treatment for mental health concerns
You’re not open to reflecting on your own stress patterns or behaviours
You want a quick fix without making small, realistic changes
You expect stress to be eliminated entirely rather than managed more effectively
You’re just looking for generic stress management tips and tricks rather than a holistic, customised stress management toolbox.
Why stress management matters in the NZ workplace
This is more than just investing in yourself, it's an investment for your whole workplace
Stress isn’t just a personal issue — it directly impacts performance, engagement, health, and retention.
Left unmanaged, prolonged stress can lead to:
Burnout and emotional exhaustion
Reduced concentration and decision-making ability
Increased conflict and miscommunication
Higher absenteeism and presenteeism
Long-term physical and mental health impacts
Handled well, people are better able to:
Self-regulate under pressure
Respond rather than react
Recover more effectively
Maintain performance during demanding periods
Support others who are struggling
Stress management is a core capability, not a “nice to have”.
What you'll gain from improved stress management
Managing stress more effectively doesn’t just make work feel easier — it improves how you think, communicate, and show up every day.
Participants who apply the tools from this course often experience:
Greater clarity and focus
When stress is better regulated, thinking becomes clearer, decision-making improves, and it’s easier to focus on what actually matters.
More emotional control under pressure
You’ll be better able to pause, respond thoughtfully, and avoid reacting in ways you later regret — especially in challenging situations.
Increased energy and resilience
Reducing ongoing stress frees up mental and physical energy, helping you cope better with busy or demanding periods.
Improved communication and relationships
Lower stress improves listening, patience, and empathy — which has a positive flow-on effect in teams and working relationships.
Better recovery and work–life balance
You’ll develop strategies to switch off more effectively, recover between busy periods, and reduce the risk of burnout over time.
Course delivery and practical info
Delivery options
Training can be delivered as:
- In‑person workshops (in-house)
- Virtual workshops (public offerings)
- Blended learning with coaching and follow‑up support
Practical info
Next dates: 22 January 2026
Time: 9am to 3pm
Cost: $517.50 incl GST
You need: computer, webcam, headphones (if attending in an office) and good wifi connection.
Resources provided: workbook with models and frameworks.
Our approach
At Epic People, our courses are grounded in:
- Real workplace experience — not theory alone
- Adult learning principles that respect managers’ experience
- Practical tools learners can apply straight away, rather than abstract theoretical concepts
- A supportive environment that builds confidence and capability
Why choose Epic People as your training course provider?
After 30+ years working in Human Resources and training across a variety of industries, we’ve got direct experience of working in environments that are fast-paced, constantly changing, and high stakes. We’ve also been training employees in stress management techniques for at least 15 years. But here’s where we are different: our workshops don’t just teach stress management techniques and tools. Rather than providing generic wellbeing content, we guide you through thinking about your own stress triggers and reactions, and work with your personal preferences. Instead of just a stress management toolbox, you’ll walk away with a customised stress management system that is unique to you. We focus on helping people cope better, recover sooner, and perform sustainably, especially during demanding periods.
Our workshops are –
- Practical, real-world centred — immediately usable, not theoretical
- Built for busy professionals — frameworks, scripts, examples, and step-by-step guidance
- Designed for modern workplaces — from hybrid teams to fast-growth environments
- Facilitated by an experienced HR Director with deep expertise in time management
Course overview - Stress Management
Understanding stress and how it shows up
You’ll explore:
Different types of stress (acute, chronic, cumulative)
The stress cycle and how it escalates over time
Cognitive, emotional, physiological, and behavioural stress responses
Why stress increases sensitivity and “wear and tear” on the body
This helps people recognise stress earlier, before it becomes overwhelming.
Identifying sources of stress
We look at common workplace and personal stressors, including:
Workload and competing priorities
Change and uncertainty
Role clarity and expectations
Interpersonal dynamics
Self-generated stress (perfectionism, over-commitment, procrastination)
You’ll reflect on which stressors are within your control — and where small changes can make a big difference.
Coping with stress in the moment
You’ll learn practical techniques you can use immediately, including:
Evidence-based breathing techniques
Grounding and reset strategies
Managing negative self-talk and unhelpful thinking patterns
Simple mindset shifts that reduce emotional intensity
The focus is on quick, accessible tools that work in real work situations.
Building resilience over time
We explore what resilience really is — and what it isn’t.
You’ll learn:
The factors that contribute to resilience
Why resilience is a skill that can be developed
How mindset, relationships, and self-belief influence coping
Practical ways to strengthen resilience in everyday life
Recovery and preventing burnout
Stress management isn’t just about coping — it’s about recovery.
We cover:
The recovery paradox (why recovery is hardest when we need it most)
Micro-recovery strategies during the workday
Lifestyle-level recovery using the DRAMMA model
Sleep, movement, nutrition, and mental wellbeing
Early warning signs of burnout and how to respond
You’ll leave with a customised recovery plan you can realistically maintain.
Courses that complement this training
Time management
Poor time management, work overload or disarray and stress go hand in hand. As well as being able to cope with stress, time management and productivity tools can also help to eliminate sources of stress, including things we do to self-sabotage our efforts.
Advanced communication skills
Essential for good time management is great communication skills? Reducing misunderstandings, getting your message across first time, understanding others and helping others to be self-sufficient in problem solving all helps to reduce time wasting.
"Survival skills" resilience workshop
Resilience building is different to stress management, in that this course is about building your ability to cope in extreme and ongoing stressful situations beyond the workplace.
Course FAQ's - Stress Management workshop
What is stress management training?
Stress management training helps people understand how stress affects them and develop practical strategies to cope with pressure, recover more effectively, and build resilience at work and in life.
Why is stress management important in the NZ workplace?
Stress management is important in the New Zealand workplace because ongoing work pressure, high expectations, and constant change can significantly impact employee wellbeing, performance, and retention. When stress is not managed effectively, it can lead to burnout, increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and higher turnover. Practical stress management training helps New Zealand organisations support healthier, more sustainable ways of working while maintaining performance.
Is this stress management training suitable for workplaces in New Zealand?
Yes. This course is designed specifically for New Zealand workplaces, reflecting local work environments, expectations, and pressures. It focuses on practical strategies that employees and leaders can apply immediately at work. Our training is designed by us, not purchased from overseas. We know kiwi workplaces and have designed this training with that in mind.
Is this course about mental health treatment or therapy?
No. This is not clinical or therapeutic training. It is practical workplace training focused on understanding stress, improving coping strategies, and building resilience. It does not replace professional mental health support where that is required.
What people benefit from stress management training?
This course is suitable for:
Employees experiencing ongoing pressure or workload stress
Managers and leaders supporting stressed team members
People working in fast-paced or high-change environments
Anyone wanting practical tools to manage stress more effectively
It can be delivered to mixed groups or tailored for leaders.
Can stress management really be learned?
Yes. While stress is unavoidable, how people respond to stress can be learned and improved. This course focuses on building awareness, skills, and habits that help people regulate stress more effectively over time.
Will this training help prevent burnout?
Stress management training can significantly reduce the risk of burnout by helping people recognise early warning signs, improve recovery, and manage ongoing pressure more sustainably. It is most effective when delivered proactively rather than after burnout has already occurred.
Can I book this as an in-house workshop for my team?
Absolutely. We deliver in-house Stress Management workshops across Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. This is often the most effective way to improve “collective wellbeing” and makes a great addition to any workplace wellbeing programme.
How is this different from time management training?
Time management focuses on how work is organised. Stress management focuses on how pressure is experienced and managed. The two courses complement each other well and are often delivered together.
How much time do I need to commit to this training?
Workshops usually run in the morning, starting around 9am. After the workshop you should be prepared to commit to 2-3 hours to use what you’ve learned to put your systems in place. Ideally you would have the whole day blocked out so that you can do this straight after the workshop. Then, on your first day back at work after the workshop, you can start using your new systems immediately.
What equipment do I need for a virtual classroom?
You will need to have a laptop or computer with webcam and microphone. Headphones are recommended if you are attending at work or there are going to be other people around you. This is important because in our time management training workshops, we like to simulate the classroom as much as we can. By being able to see each other and talk to each other, the learning process is enriched and you will get more value from the training. You may also need to download software that allows you to connect to the classroom. We recommend that this is arranged with your workplace, or sorted on your home equipment well in advance of the workshop so you are up and running on the day.
Do you deliver stress management training online or in person?
Stress management training can be delivered in person or virtually, depending on your needs and location within New Zealand.
Ready to boost the collective wellbeing of your team and organisation?
If your people are feeling stretched, overwhelmed, or close to burnout, early intervention matters.
Get in touch to book this course or discuss in-house delivery.
In epic workplaces, people are able to manage their stress well.
Let’s talk about how we can help your team find their zen.
