A recent study by leisure operator Better has revealed significant wellbeing concerns among the UK workforce, with findings indicating widespread unpaid overtime, excessive pressures, and mental health struggles.
The research paints a stark picture of workplace demands and their impact on employee health and productivity.
The data shows that two-thirds of UK employees regularly work unpaid overtime, averaging an additional two hours per week, equivalent to 14 extra working days annually. Workers aged 45 to 54 are the most affected, with 11 percent reporting more than five unpaid hours per week, amounting to 35 days per year. Employees in education and HR sectors face the highest levels of unpaid overtime, working an average of 15 extra days annually.
Eighty-one percent of respondents reported that their workplace negatively impacts their wellbeing. Excessive workloads and workplace pressures were cited by 33 percent as the primary factors, with this figure increasing to 42 percent in Northern Ireland and Scotland. Sixteen percent of workers also said they are expected to remain contactable outside of regular working hours.
The ‘Always On’ Culture and Its Impact
The study highlights an entrenched “always on” culture, with 68 percent of workers finding it difficult to disconnect from work during weekday evenings. A further 59 percent reported struggling to disengage over weekends, indicating a pervasive challenge in achieving work-life balance.
This unrelenting work pressure correlates with high levels of sick leave. Britons take an average of four sick days per year, but this figure varies regionally. Workers in Northern Ireland reported the highest number of sick days at seven per year, while those in North East England took the least, averaging three days annually.
Mental health issues are a leading cause of absenteeism, with 22 percent of respondents taking sick leave for mental health reasons. This figure rises to 30 percent in the South West. Fatigue also emerged as a significant factor, with one in six employees taking time off due to exhaustion. Additionally, 23 percent cited family emergencies as a reason for sick leave, with men being 9 percent more likely than women to report this. Musculoskeletal problems such as back pain were noted by 10 percent of respondents, increasing to one in six in the East Midlands.
Employee Retention Concerns
Recruitment challenges across industries make these findings particularly concerning. Forty percent of workers said they would consider leaving their jobs due to stress or burnout, and 39 percent cited a poor work-life balance as a reason for seeking new opportunities.
Employers have introduced various measures to address these challenges, but gaps remain. Nearly half (49 percent) of UK businesses provide mental health support, while 27 percent offer gym memberships or discounts. One-third supply free fruit and snacks, and over half (51 percent) provide annual leave policies exceeding 28 days per year.
Despite these efforts, 17 percent of employees believe their workplace hinders their ability to exercise, and one in seven feel their job contributes to unhealthy eating habits or irregular meal patterns.
Regional and Generational Variations
Generational and regional differences were also noted in the report. Gen Z employees were found to take more sick leave, with one in six taking over five days annually, compared to just 10 percent of Baby Boomers. Regionally, Northern Ireland and Scotland reported higher levels of workplace pressure, while the East Midlands saw elevated rates of musculoskeletal-related sick leave.
The findings emphasise the need for employers to prioritise mental health support, address workloads, and promote work-life balance to foster healthier and more productive workplaces. With a significant proportion of employees considering leaving their roles due to stress, addressing these issues is increasingly critical for talent retention and organisational success.
