Brits on the brink of burnout ⁠— and work is the main reason

Abigail Fenton
·Writer
Photo: Nik Shuliahi/Unsplash
Four in ten Brits admitted they’re on the brink of burnout, according to a survey. Photo: Nik Shuliahi/Unsplash

Is your job leaving you physically and mentally exhausted? Well, you’re not alone, according to research.

In a survey of 2,000 UK professionals by job board CV-Library four in ten (42%) Brits admitted they’re on the brink of burnout, with over two thirds (68%) pointing to work as the main contributor.

The study also found work stress has resulted in 45% of professionals having trouble sleeping, 40% suffering from negative thoughts, and 39% feeling exhausted.

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Burnout is a major problem in the UK. Three quarters of adults felt unable to cope due to stress in 2019, with almost a third (32%) of these experiencing suicidal feelings, and 16% self-harming as a result, according to a survey by the Mental Health Foundation.

Meanwhile, online searches for “burnout” shot up 50% between April and July last year.

When asked what causes them the most anxiety at work, the most common answer, given by almost a third (31%) of Brits, was having to meet “unrealistic” targets.

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This was followed by having to work long hours (30%), an excessively high workload (29%), pressure from their manager (27%), and working towards tight deadlines (22%).

What’s more, the study also shows that over half (58%) of professionals worry about disappointing their manager, while two thirds (65%) also worry about letting their team down if they’re unwell.

“Burnout is a serious issue, and while some people thrive on keeping busy, it shouldn’t get to the point where you’re taking work home with you, struggling to sleep or constantly feeling exhausted,” Lee Biggins, CEO of CV-Library, said.

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“We all know how stressful work can be, and sometimes it’s unavoidable. However, if you find that you’re constantly feeling worried, exhausted or up against it, then maybe your job isn’t right and you need a change.

He added: “The truth is, no matter how well paid or prosperous a job may be, if you’re working to tight deadlines and you’re under too much pressure, you’ll soon crack. Work is such a huge part of many people’s lives, so it’s important to find a job where you can achieve a sustainable balance."