Burnout issues highlight urgent need for action

The findings, published in Mental Health UK’s latest Burnout Report, reveal persistently high stress levels across the UK workforce, with 91 per cent of all respondents reporting high or extreme stress in the last 12 months. Young workers are being disproportionately affected, with isolation at work, fears of redundancy and rising workloads identified as key pressure points.

Ruth Wilkinson, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at IOSH, said: “These findings underline just how serious stress has become in workplaces, with significant consequences for workers, businesses and society. Employers need to take a proactive approach by identifying and managing psychosocial hazards in the same way they would any other health and safety risk.

“This starts with prevention. Employers should embed psychosocial risk management into their health and safety systems, backed by strong leadership and clear communication. Creating a culture where staff feel psychologically safe and able to raise concerns without fear of stigma is essential.”

The report highlights that younger workers face unique pressures, both inside and outside work. Almost half (45 per cent) of 18–24-year-olds said workplace isolation contributed to their stress, while two-thirds reported poor sleep and money worries. Concerns about job security and the impact of AI on future roles were also common.

Despite this, many young workers said they feel unable to speak up. More than a quarter (27 per cent) of those who took stress-related absence received no support upon returning to work, and only 17 per cent were given a formal return‑to‑work plan. Eighteen per cent felt mental health provision in their workplace amounted to a “tick‑box exercise”.

Burnout is increasingly recognised as one of the most significant threats to workforce wellbeing and productivity. IOSH is calling on employers to embed health and safety approaches that address psychosocial risks with the same rigour as physical hazards. It continues to advocate for stronger organisational support for managers, early intervention strategies and robust wellbeing policies that prevent harm before it occurs.