Nearly 12 million workers experienced burnout in the past year, research shows

New research from Avilio revealed that burnout continues to affect a significant proportion of the UK workforce, with 36% of survey respondents saying they experienced burnout in the last year.

Applied to the wider working population, this equates to around 11.9 million workers.

The independent, nationally representative survey of 1,261 UK workers defined burnout as extreme and persistent stress resulting in physical, mental and emotional exhaustion.

The findings suggested that stress is affecting employees’ ability to perform their roles, with 22% reporting they had taken time off due to stress.

Among managers, 46% said their job is their main source of stress and anxiety.

The research also highlighted implications for labour market stability.

Nearly a quarter (24%) of workers said they are actively looking for a new job, while 29% intended to change roles by the end of 2026, creating potential turnover and recruitment challenges for employers.

This is the second consecutive year Avilio has surveyed UK workers on stress levels, with results showing little change from 2024.

Burnout rose slightly from 34% last year to 36% in 2025, while time off due to stress fell marginally from 24% to 22%.

Job search intentions remained broadly similar year on year.

Philippe Masson, CEO of Avilio, said: “If employers do not look after their teams and they are persistently stressed, then they are more likely to take time off sick and to leave. Organisations risk losing talent to the stress epidemic that we are currently experiencing.

“Investing not only money, but also time and care into looking after teams and their well-being pays for itself many times over.

“Employees that are not stressed deliver better results, are more invested in their work and loyal to their employers. It should therefore be a priority for organisations to put in place meaningful solutions – not tick-box exercises.”

Masson said: “More broadly, it’s important to note that talent is fundamental to commercial success in the UK economy, so tackling the stress crisis could be a crucial factor in boosting economic activity.”