New research from leisure operator Better indicates rising pressures, unpaid overtime, and mental health concerns among UK workers.
According to the survey, British employees are logging an average of 14 days of unpaid overtime annually, while 81% of respondents feel their workplace negatively impacts their wellbeing. The findings underline the potential costs of excessive workloads and the pressures of an ‘always on’ culture on employee mental health and job satisfaction.
Joseph Rham, Customer Experience Director at Better, said: “The survey highlights the pressures felt by the UK workforce. While technology has many benefits, it has also led to an ‘always on’ culture where workers often don’t feel they can escape from work and feel under constant pressure.”
Widespread Unpaid Overtime Across Sectors and Age Groups
The study shows that two-thirds of UK employees work unpaid overtime, averaging an additional two hours per week. This amounts to 14 working days annually, with employees in education and HR sectors clocking the most unpaid hours. Among age groups, those aged 45-54 tend to work more than five extra hours weekly — equivalent to 35 unpaid days each year.
This trend of unpaid overtime is adding to the pressures faced by UK workers, with 34% of respondents attributing their negative workplace experiences to excessive workloads. The impact is even more pronounced in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where 42% of employees report heightened stress from their workloads. Additionally, 16% of workers are required to be contactable outside regular hours, compounding the pressures on employees’ personal time.
Mental Health Challenges on the Rise
The increasing workplace pressures may explain why one-fifth of British employees have taken sick leave for mental health issues, with the figure reaching 30% among workers in the South West. Younger employees appear to be most affected, with 16% of Gen Z reporting more than five days of sick leave annually due to mental health concerns, compared to just 10% of Boomers.
In addition, 68% of employees struggle to switch off during weekday evenings, and 59% find it difficult to disengage over weekends. The survey indicates that this inability to disconnect from work is a significant factor in growing levels of fatigue, mental health strain, and overall dissatisfaction in the workplace.
Rising Sick Leave for Family Emergencies and Health Concerns
According to the research, sick leave is not only being taken for mental health reasons. Twenty-three percent of respondents reported taking leave for family emergencies, with men 9% more likely than women to do so. Musculoskeletal issues, such as back problems, were another cause for concern, affecting one in ten workers, rising to one in six in the East Midlands.
While workers in Northern Ireland take an average of seven sick days annually — nearly double the national average of four days — employees in North East England report the lowest rate of sick leave, at three days per year. This regional disparity highlights differences in workplace pressures and health needs across the UK.
High Levels of Job Dissatisfaction Due to Stress and Burnout
The findings reveal that job dissatisfaction is prevalent, with 40% of respondents indicating they would consider leaving their current role due to stress or burnout. A further 39% reported that a lack of work-life balance would motivate them to seek new employment.
Some organisations are implementing measures to support employee wellbeing. Almost half of UK businesses provide mental health support, while 27% offer gym memberships or discounts. Additionally, one-third of employers provide free snacks or fruit, and 51% offer annual leave exceeding 28 days. Despite these measures, 17% of employees feel their workplace limits their ability to exercise, and one in seven report that their work environment promotes unhealthy eating habits.
Employer Responsibility in Supporting Employee Wellbeing
Paul Blythin, Director of Health and Skills at Business Health Matters, stresses the need for businesses to prioritise employee wellbeing. “Workplace health and wellbeing is becoming an increasingly important topic, and with good reason. As this research clearly shows, people’s wellbeing is being significantly impacted by their workplaces, and it is important that workplaces take note of this,” Blythin said.
Rham echoes this sentiment, underscoring the benefits of proactive measures. “It is crucial that employers put into place holistic measures that help their employees live healthy, balanced lives,” he added. “The benefits will be a happier, healthier workforce and improved staff retention.”
With the future of work increasingly intertwined with technology, balancing productivity demands with employee wellbeing remains a critical challenge for UK workplaces. As these findings demonstrate, organisations that invest in supportive policies and wellbeing resources may better retain talent and foster healthier work environments amidst rising pressures.
