A YouGov poll of 2,060 adults, 1,132 workers, found 35% had high or extreme pressures at work and 20% requiring time off due to poor mental health caused by stress in the last year. 

The survey also found 35% of people were not comfortable voicing concerns about pressure and stress to line managers or company leaders. 31% had experienced bullying and intimidation by colleagues had been the cause of their stress in the last year. 

Mental Health UK has suggested that issues such as climate change and artificial intelligence are leading to “feelings of hopelessness” could be contributing to burnout. There are many people needing to take time off work due to poor mental health. “High levels of work absence due to poor mental health are a major challenge, but its causes are complex,” Mental Health UK’s chief executive, Brian Dow, said. 

Although attitudes and understanding of mental health and work have improved there remain increased challenges. Life outside work has become increasingly difficult due to the cost-of-living crisis and pressures on public services. Global issues such as climate change and artificial intelligence, lead to anxiety and feelings of hopelessness. The survey also found that almost 38 per cent of workers have experienced stress with financial concerns, taking on extra work because of the cost-of-living crisis. 

The figures in the YouGov report show growing evidence that the UK is struggling with high levels of work absence and the associated costs to individuals, employers, and the taxpayer. 

Dow has asked the government to intervene and better support the workforce. Mental Health UK asked Rishi Sunak to hold a national summit to bring together ministers, employers and experts to create healthy workplaces and better support workers. 

Nearly half of workers surveyed were not aware if their employer had a plan in place to identify signs of chronic stress and prevent burnout. Although high levels of stress may be expected, 24% feel unable to cope with the stress in their lives. 

“There will be no simple, one-size-fits-all solution, but a failure to properly understand and address the challenges we face will threaten our long-term health and success as a nation,” said Dow. 

Burnout is the state of mental, physical and emotional exhaustion, usually brought on by stress. It is a mental health a syndrome and a collection of signs and symptoms. The key to preventing burnout is to recognise the signs early. 

Some of the common signs of burnout include: 

• feeling drained  
• feeling unable to cope  
• difficulty sleeping  
• feeling sad, anxious, angry or irritable  
• losing interest in hobbies or work that you previously enjoyed   
• turning to coping mechanisms such as drugs or alcohol  
• difficulty concentrating 

If you experience burnout firstly speak to your manager and GP, take time off from work. Moving forwards be very careful on maintaining boundaries and say “no” to tasks you cannot do or do not have time to do. 

Leave work on time and take your annual leave. Maintain a good sleep routine. 

Put away the screens, the deadlines, and the demands. Breathe in the fresh air, reconnect with nature, rediscover the joy of simply being. A mindful moment can be a mini revolution in a day fuelled by frenzy. 

Prioritise sleep, nourish yourself with wholesome food, move your body in ways that feel good, not just look good on a feed. Self-care is not selfish. 

Join a club or volunteer establish connections. 

Find beauty in the everyday, savour the little victories, and let them fuel your journey. 

The government have invested £2.3bn into mental health services and putting almost 400,000 extra people through NHS talking therapies. The government is aware of the link between work and good mental health is clear. They say their back to work plan will help hundreds of thousands including those with long-term health conditions to break down barriers to work. This is missing the point as the YouGov poll was surveyed those in work. 

This burnout is not just individual, it is systemic. The ever-escalating cost of living, the constant churn of political uncertainty, and the ever-present shadow of a pandemic have created a perfect storm of stress. We’re juggling more than ever before, on tighter budgets and thinner patience. 

We need to be aware as individuals, communities and employers.