Avilio commissioned an independent, nationally representative survey of 1,261 UK workers to understand current levels of stress and burnout, 506 of whom are in management positions. In the survey, burnout was defined as an extreme and persistent form of stress that causes physical, mental and emotional exhaustion.

The data shows that stress and burnout have a significant detrimental impact on workers and their ability to perform their roles. 22% of survey respondents said they had taken time off from work due to stress, while almost half of people in management positions (46%) say their job is their main source of stress and anxiety.

The survey also shows that 24% of respondents are actively looking for a new job and 29% want to change jobs between now and the end of 2026. This has significant ramifications for employers, who not only have to pay for employees that are absent and therefore inactive, but also for the recruitment and training of replacement staff.

This is the second consecutive year that Avilio has surveyed workers on their stress levels. Comparison of the figures suggests experience of stress is stubbornly common with no progress made since last year:

• 36% of respondents say they experienced burnout in the last year compared to 34% in the 2024 survey
• 22% took time off from work due to stress compared to 24% in the 2024 survey
• 29% want to change jobs compared to 28% in the 2024 survey
• 24% are actively looking for a new job compared to 28% in the 2024 survey

Philippe Masson, CEO of Avilio, said: “If employers do not look after their teams and they are persistently stressed, then they are more likely to take time off sick and to leave. Organisations risk losing talent to the stress epidemic that we are currently experiencing.

“Investing not only money, but also time and care into looking after teams and their well-being pays for itself many times over. Employees that are not stressed deliver better results, are more invested in their work and loyal to their employers. It should therefore be a priority for organisations to put in place meaningful solutions – not tick-box exercises.

“More broadly, it’s important to note that talent is fundamental to commercial success in the UK economy, so tackling the stress crisis could be a crucial factor in boosting economic activity.”

For more startup news, check out the other articles on the website, and subscribe to the magazine for free. Listen to The Cereal Entrepreneur podcast for more interviews with entrepreneurs and big-hitters in the startup ecosystem.