A poll suggests that almost two-thirds (67%) of UK workers are worried about burning out in the coming year, as companies cut back resources to combat rising costs of employment.
Robert Half, a UK recruiter, surveyed more than 1,200 UK employees and found that 62% believe companies are in danger of overworking their staff this year. 60 % of respondents felt that companies prioritized profit over their employees’ wellbeing too often.
Nearly a third of workers (30%) said that the increase in National Insurance Contributions will make them feel more pressure to work harder with less. They are more likely to burn out.
Robert Half has also noted that the UK S&P Composite PMI (Purchasing Managers Index) revealed that employers have been cutting staff at a faster rate than in four years.
A rise in NICs seems to put younger demographics at greater risk for burnout. More than one third (37%) said that they are worried about the increased pressure to work harder with less.
The majority of respondents (65%) in this age range also said that their employers may be at risk of working them too hard this year.
Matt Weston is the senior managing director UK & Ireland for Robert Half. He said, “Our research shows the majority of employees feel their employers’ priorities aren’t in the right place, with 60% saying that businesses are more concerned with profit and productivity than people.
Budgets are tight and businesses are trying to balance their books. Workers are worried that they’ll have to do more with less and burn out.
Weston said that businesses should be aware of the long-term effects on their employer brand, as it could have a negative impact on employee engagement, morale, and future hiring.
