Zarah ChoudharyA growing number of employees are struggling with workplace stress and burnout, with 44% reporting high levels of workplace-related stress, according to the O.C. Tanner Global Culture Report 2025.
The report highlighted that only 56% of employees felt their wellbeing is adequately supported at work, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current workplace policies in addressing employee mental health.
Companies that prioritise mental health support and recognition programs see significant improvements in retention, with employees twice as likely to stay when they feel supported rather than merely surviving in their roles.
The study also revealed that 60% of employees said their company’s benefits do not meet their needs, while only 37% believed their organisation understood what they need in their personal lives and for their families.
Despite existing European social safety nets, employees are increasingly seeking more personalised total rewards packages, with a particular focus on mental health support and career development.
Workplace recognition is another area that remain a challenge, as only 59% of UK employees said they felt valued at work.
Recruitment and onboarding experiences are also falling short, with only 48% of employees rating their hiring process as above average.
The study suggested that better employer branding and engagement in the hiring process could improve retention and job satisfaction.
Career progression was another significant concern, with research indicating that employees have an eightfold higher chance of thriving at work when organisations prioritise career development, flexibility, and skill-building opportunities.
Flexible working arrangements are increasingly important, with greater autonomy over work schedules linked to higher engagement and productivity.
