Marvin OnumonuYuLife research found more people in the UK were anxious about returning to work on Mondays, with searches for ‘Sunday Scaries’ up 84% year-on-year.
The study, looking at terms like ‘Sunday Scaries’, ‘Sunday Blues’, and ‘Sunday Syndrome’, showed Norwich had the highest rate, with 382 searches per 100,000 people.
Newcastle followed with 348, and Oxford with 345.
Reading, Plymouth, Dundee, Ipswich, Gloucester, Bristol, and Portsmouth also ranked high for Sunday night work anxiety.
Meanwhile, Manchester was the least anxious city with only 48 searches per 100,000, followed by London with 59 and Durham with 78.
Other cities with lower rates included Nottingham, Cambridge, Sheffield, Leicester, Liverpool, Northampton, and Milton Keynes.
YuLife found 66% of employees reported burnout in 2024, and Sunday night anxiety was most common among younger and hybrid workers.
The data suggested this is a sign of wider workplace issues, including poor boundaries and lack of autonomy.
YuLife said employers should focus on creating a culture that puts wellbeing first.
The report noted that simple actions, like encouraging teams to switch off after hours and supporting flexible schedules, can help reduce stress.
Katie Howarth, head of people at YuLife, said: “If your employees are feeling anxious before the week even begins, that’s not just a wellbeing issue, it’s a business risk.
“The Sunday Scaries are a symptom of something bigger: a workforce that feels overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsupported.
“And while these feelings show up on a Sunday night, they’re shaped by everything that happens during the working week, unrealistic demands, lack of flexibility, and poor boundaries.”
Howarth added: “Employers can either ignore it or get ahead of it. With the right tools, culture, and mindset, it’s possible to build workplaces where wellbeing is proactive, not reactive.
“At YuLife, we believe that small, everyday actions, when supported by the business, can shift how people feel about their jobs, their teams, and themselves.
“And when employees feel supported and energised, they don’t just show up on Monday, they show up at their best.”
