Category: Workplace Mental Health

High stress levels and mental health-related sick leave persist in the UK workforce, Mental Health UK’s latest Burnout Report reveals, with chronic pressures going unaddressed and too few employers supporting recovery from burnout.

The Keep Britain Working Report, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield and published on 5 November 2025, shines a light on one of the biggest challenges facing the UK today. More than 2.8 million people are out of work due to long-term sickness, and poor mental health is a major factor.

Menopause affects approximately half the population, yet it remains one of the most under-discussed, poorly supported life transitions within the modern workplace. As organisations strive for inclusion and talent retention, it’s time to acknowledge the significant mental health impacts of menopause – and the urgent need to embed support systems into workplace culture.

In today’s fast-paced world of work, fostering positive mental wellbeing is essential. We introduce our new Wellbeing Action Plan (WAP) — a practical, person-centred resource designed to help support your mental health and wellbeing. Whether you’re an individual looking to reflect on your own wellbeing, a manager supporting your team, or an organisation building a mentally healthy workplace — this tool is highly beneficial.

Mental Health UK is proud to announce the launch of a comprehensive new Resource Hub —designed to empower individuals on their journey into work.

How do we make mental health and employment two sides of the same coin, rather than separate or even competing priorities? That was the question we explored in a Mental Health UK roundtable discussion hosted in Parliament, in a conversation which went to the heart of one of the UK’s most pressing current challenges.

We’ve published findings of our second Annual Burnout report*, which takes the pulse of the nation’s stress levels. The survey of 4,418 UK adults conducted by YouGov finds that the risk of burnout remains prevalent, with one in three (34%) adults experiencing high or extreme levels of pressure or stress ‘always’ or ‘often’ last year, compared with 35% the previous year. Meanwhile, nine in 10 (91%) experienced high pressure or stress at some point over the last year.

Dan shares his experience of burnout and how this affected his anxiety, work performance and social life. He also sheds light on navigating burnout and the workplace as a young person with neurodivergence.

Tanya experienced burnout in her first job after graduating from university. She sheds light on her symptoms, from migraines to self-doubt, and advice on how to recover.

Whilst working in the corporate sector, Karen experienced extreme physical and mental effects of burnout. She reflects on her symptoms and how she moved towards a brighter future.

After being promoted to a directorial position at work, Emma hit a critical case of burnout, experiencing symptoms of social withdrawal, chronic pain, and brain fog. She shares tips on how to recover and spot warning signs.

Sabrina experienced burnout multiple times before finding the tools to recover. She now works as a burnout coach and offers meaningful, sustainable ways to overcome it.

Murat reflects on two experiences with burnout, drawing attention to his symptoms, untreated eating disorder, and the lack of support at work.

Donna outlines her symptoms of burnout, from physical changes in sleep and diet to feelings of detachment. She shares helpful coping tips and the positive support she got from her workplace.

Mental health has emerged as one of the most significant challenges facing the UK workforce today and therefore economic growth too. Approximately 630,000 people reported being economically inactive due to long-term sickness, with ‘mental health condition’ being the main cause in 2022-2023, and again in 2023-2024.

Heemali shares her story of living with body dysmorphia, a number of anxiety-inducing experiences, and going through burnout in her corporate job. Reflecting on how she found her passion as a trauma-informed yoga practitioner, supporting others.

Mental Health UK’s Into Work service has recently made headlines by winning two awards at the ‘This Can Happen’ global awards ceremony. The service was named Wellbeing Provider of the Year and received the Grand Prix for the best overall entry in 2024. These awards recognize outstanding efforts in promoting mental wellbeing at work.

Mental Health UK are delighted to be partnering with ITN Business as part of their programme looking at the “Future of Work”. The programme showcases how professionals can stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the latest developments across the employment field.

Flexible working has been in place for over 20 years with various rights being extended granting further inclusivity. On 6th April, the biggest change is imminent, whereby the employees’ right to request flexible working no longer must be earned, it’s present from day one.

In the UK, nearly 5 million cisgender women aged 50 and over are in employment – it is the fastest-growing demographic group of workers. This age group is the most likely to be affected by menopausal symptoms, so employers need to ensure they are supporting this group of their workforce. Talking openly with your employer can be an important first step towards being better supported at work.

Preventing burnout in the workplace is a shared responsibility between employers and employees. By taking proactive steps to manage workload, prioritise wellbeing, and communicate effectively, we can all contribute toward creating the infrastructure for mentally healthy working environments.

Mental Health UK’s Into Work’ employment service has been awarded the ‘Project of the Year’ award at the Vocational Rehabilitation Awards.

Thanks to our ongoing partnership with Bank of America, we are delivering a new service called Into Work in London, Kent and North Wales, supporting people to make positive change and enter employment.

We all know how socialising can be a great opportunity for colleagues to build connections and bonds beyond workplace duties and roles. However in recent years, many workplace social events go hand in hand with drinking. As we know, alcohol can impact our mental health and some people choose not to drink or can’t drink – for a variety of reasons. How can workplaces be more mindful about alcohol?