Employees across the UK are switching off their emails and slipping into something more comfortable today for Samaritans Stress Down Day.

Presenter Graham Norton is supporting the campaign, which hopes to raise awareness of the detrimental effects of stress.

Employees are getting involved in the day by wearing slippers to work, selling detoxing smoothies in the office, sponsoring colleagues to turn emails off for a couple of peaceful hours and creating a chill out zone for people to hire out throughout the day.

With over 80% of workers saying they would rather phone in sick with flu or another problem rather than admit they were stressed, Norton is encouraging people to speak out about work pressures and take better care of their emotional health this February.

“I did work with a nightmare boss once," said Norton, "who everyone hated but the frightening moment now is when you realise ‘Oh my gosh, I am the boss! I am the one they go home and complain about!"

“It is very important that there is a service like Samaritans out there, somebody people can turn to when things are really bleak and can’t manage to put things in perspective for themselves. It’s fantastic that no matter what time of day or night it is, there is someone to bounce off and assure you that this time will pass," he adds.

Recent research showed that a third of UK workers cannot get to sleep at night through anxiety - and three-quarters cannot ‘switch off’ when they leave their office.

The European Union also says that work-related stress affects 40 million workers in its member states and costs the EU at least €20 billion a year.

“I have had disasters at work and crazy interviews, but if they are funny we end up keeping them in the show to make people laugh," he adds.

Companies involved in the day include Royal Mail, BUPA, Dorset Cereals, Motorola, Taylor’s of Harrogate, First Direct, Lloyd’s of London, Trader Media Group, RBC Dexia, Royal London, Allianz Insurance and WPA.

Neal’s Yard Remedies are also selling a De-Stress Kit, Harmony Gift Box and life coaching guide, "52 Ways To Change Your Life" in their 30 UK stores and donating 10% of profits, on these products, to Samaritans.

Apart from Norton, other celebrity supporters include Stephen Fry, Trisha Goddard, Supernanny, rugby international Josh Lewsey and John Humphrys.

The Samaritans’ currently has 16,800 volunteers, who continue to answer 4.8 million calls and contacts every year, one call every six seconds.

What sort of slippers will you be wearing on Stress Down Day? Check out our online guide.