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Burnout Britain – overworked, underpaid, and near breaking point!

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Joanne Swann
person crying beside bed

In recent findings from two separate but equally telling reports, the state of the UK workforce paints a stark picture of stress, burnout, and a desperate cry for more supportive work environments and financial upliftment.

Headspace and Reward Gateway have unveiled the deep-seated issues plaguing employees across the nation, from mental health struggles to financial insecurity, emphasising the urgent need for a holistic approach to employee well-being and compensation.

Headspace, a leading mental wellbeing platform, has reported that nearly half (49%) of HR leaders have noticed an uptick in mental health absences, underscoring the growing concern for employee mental well-being. Their latest Workforce State of Mind Report indicates that while 44% of employees seek mental health support from their managers, a mere 24% of HR leaders confirm that their managers are mandated to undergo mental-health-specific training. This gap in support is further exemplified by 43% of employees feeling their mental health has been negatively affected by managers who do not respect personal boundaries or display fairness among team members.

The report also highlighted a concerning link between work stress and physical health, with 77% of employees stating work stress has adversely affected their physical well-being. Additionally, the impact extends to personal lives, with 76% attributing work stress to the demise of personal relationships, particularly among Gen X, and 40% feeling it has hindered their capacity to care for their family’s mental health.

On a parallel note, Reward Gateway’s survey, titled “Burnout Britain,” reveals that nearly two-thirds (63%) of UK workers are in dire need of a pay rise amid the cost-of-living crisis, with a significant portion reporting feelings of burnout (30%) and misery at work (20%). The survey brings to light the emotional toll on workers, with a notable percentage reporting feelings of stress (36%), loneliness (19%), and anxiety (27%).

The primary culprit for burnout is identified as excessive workload (49%), with many feeling underappreciated (59%) and disconnected (49%) from their workplace culture. The call for better financial support is loud and clear, with 60% urging employers to prioritise financial well-being, including demands for more rewards and recognition (43%) and better support for financial well-being (55%). The report warns of the potential for a mass exodus, with over half (57%) of employees considering leaving their current employers in search of better opportunities.

Both reports converge on a critical point: UK workers are facing a multifaceted crisis that spans mental, physical, and financial well-being. The findings highlight the need for employers to adopt a comprehensive approach to employee support, encompassing mental health training for managers, a respectful and understanding work environment, and adequate financial compensation and benefits.

Joanne Swann, Content Manager, WorkWellPro
Editor at Workplace Wellbeing Professional | Website |  + posts

Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.

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