Jessica O'ConnorMaintaining a healthy work-life balance has overtaken financial concerns as the leading source of stress for UK workers, according to research from Avilio.
The company commissioned an independent, nationally representative survey of 1,261 UK workers to assess current stress and burnout levels.
When asked which factors contributed most to their stress, 32% cited managing their work-life balance –the single most selected option.
Despite ongoing economic uncertainty and cost-of-living pressures, concerns about personal financial outlook and security (23%), family financial security (22%) and the domestic economic outlook (21%) all ranked lower.
Broader workplace worries also featured, including being unable to complete daily tasks (21%), looking at to-do lists (16%) and job security (18%).
Only 10% identified the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their sector as a primary stressor.
The findings come amid rising strain on workers: 36% of respondents reported experiencing burnout within the past year.
Philippe Masson, CEO of Avilio, said: “In an uncertain economic climate and a sustained cost of living crisis, you might expect finances to be the most significant cause of stress.
“Yet our research shows that even in this context, managing a good/work life balance is still keeping people up at night.
“Many organisations have – for obvious reasons – prioritised financial wellbeing schemes in recent years. However, this research serves as a useful reminder that wellbeing must be seen holistically.
“Policies such as flexible and hybrid working, and continued open dialogues about the balance of responsibilities at work and at home can go a long way to boosting worker satisfaction, productivity, engagement and loyalty – all of which have a direct impact on company ROI.”
