UK Workforce Burnout Crisis Deepens as 'Always-On' Culture Persists — HiBob

Event summary

58% of UK workers report increased role pressure compared to two years ago, with 49% feeling an expectation to always be available.
42% of workers actively consider leaving their jobs due to workplace pressure, while 37% would accept lower pay for less stress.
76% of managers say team pressure has increased, with 54% struggling to balance performance expectations and employee wellbeing.
HiBob's research highlights a structural disconnect between organizational expectations and sustainable employee performance.

The big picture

HiBob's data underscores a growing disconnect between digital transformation and workforce sustainability. As AI-driven tools enable constant connectivity, many organizations fail to redesign work structures, creating cultures where responsiveness is rewarded over effectiveness. This trend poses long-term risks for talent retention and operational resilience in an increasingly competitive labor market.

What we're watching

Cultural Redesign: Whether organizations can shift from measuring activity to enabling impact without burning out employees.
Manager Preparedness: The pace at which managers receive clearer guidance on balancing performance and wellbeing in distributed work environments.
Talent Retention: How sustained burnout pressures will affect employee turnover rates across UK industries.