74% of U.K. employees report burnout. The majority feel stressed at work and get easily frustrated by colleagues. They also struggle to get up on workdays and want to quit their jobs. Data shows that 42% U.K. employees could be diagnosed with depression, and 39% of them with anxiety.
Here are some of the results from O.C. Tanner’s 2025 Global Culture Report gathered insights and data from 38,075 employees from 27 countries including 4,896 workers from the U.K.
Many of the 39% who suffer from anxiety in the U.K. admit that their jobs are causing mental health issues. They also consider their team toxic. The workload is also a problem. Employees with probable depression report feeling miserable at work and hating their jobs.
Robert Ordever is the European MD at O.C. Tanner. Tanner.
O.C. Tanner argues that poor organizational cultures are responsible for employees’ mental struggles. The key factors in the workplace which contribute to anxiety, depression, and burnout include a lack organisational purpose, a limited opportunity to grow and develop, and an authoritarian approach. Lack of recognition for employees and a lack of prioritisation on wellbeing also have a significant impact on workers’ mental health.
Ordever states that “Leaders should take a multifaceted approach to mental health at work, rather than relying solely on initiatives which support workers who are already experiencing poor well-being.” Business leaders should not only remove stigma from mental illness but also encourage colleagues to openly discuss their struggles. They must also take a look at the workplace culture and see if it can be improved to mitigate mental health issues.
This reduces stress in the workplace, decreases conflict between teams, and improves community and connection by establishing a strong purpose for your organisation, empathetic leaders, and opportunities for everyone.
Burnout is 87% less common when there’s modern leadership, 83% less frequent when a company offers growth and development, and 87% less frequent when the culture of appreciation is present.
Ordever continues, “Employee Recognition can improve mental health outcomes significantly as feeling appreciated underpins flourishing workplaces.” Employees who are able to experience recognition as part of their daily lives will be less likely to burn out, suffer from anxiety and depression. They’ll also have fewer staff turnovers, absences and presenteeism.
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