Stress and Burnout Doubled for UK Workers in 2023

New research from Indeed Flex reveals that the number of Britons experiencing workplace stress or burnout has doubled in 2023 compared to the previous year. A staggering 92% of UK employees have admitted to facing these challenges during their careers, with post-pandemic labour shortages intensifying workloads.

In 2023, the percentage of UK workers dealing with poor mental health surged to 37%, almost double the previous year’s rate of 19%. As of 2024, a fifth (19%) of workers have already experienced burnout or stress.

Increased workloads (58%) and persistent staff shortages (42%) are the main contributors to rising burnout and stress levels. Additionally, a third (34%) of employees attribute their stress to pressure from bosses to work overtime.

The tight labour market is evident, with over 900,000 vacancies in the UK during the first quarter of 2024. Furthermore, more than 2.5 million people were out of work due to long-term sickness by the end of 2023, reflecting a significant increase since the pandemic began.

Many workers have taken steps due to burnout and stress, including calling in sick (34%), taking time off using annual leave (23%), or being signed off work for mental health reasons (16%).

These challenges have prompted individuals to rethink their career choices. Some believe temporary work offers a better work-life balance (38%) and can help manage hours based on mental health needs (30%). Additionally, a third (33%) see it as an opportunity to rebuild confidence before returning to full-time or part-time employment.

If you need help or support with your employee wellbeing strategy, contact the Breathing Space team.