A new study has revealed that Birmingham is the stress capital of the UK, with the West Midlands the most stressed region.
The research by flexible office specialist Instant Offices analysed factors such as average salaries, gender pay gaps, and Google search trends for terms like ‘work stress’ and ‘burnout’.
In 2024, the average UK employee took 21.1 days off due to stress, depression, or anxiety, contributing to a staggering 16.4 million lost workdays over the year. With a high prevalence of searches related to burnout, a large gender pay gap, and lower-than-average salaries, Birmingham workers are under considerable strain.
The UK’s Most Stressed Regions
While London led in stress-related Google searches, Birmingham’s overall score placed it at the top of the list. The West Midlands, home to Birmingham and Coventry (ranked second), emerged as the most stressed region in the UK, with residents reporting significant reductions in social activities, exercise, and self-care.
Common Causes of Burnout
The report identified several stressors affecting workers across the UK, including:
- High workloads and unpaid tasks.
- Regularly working overtime without compensation.
- Financial pressures from the cost of living crisis.
- Job insecurity and redundancy fears.
- Bullying and workplace isolation.
One in four UK adults reports feeling stressed more often than not, and one in nine feels stressed daily.
Gender Inequality and Stress
Women report feeling stressed an average of 11.7 days per month, compared to 8.7 days for men. Cities such as Derby, Coventry, and Luton, which have the largest gender pay gaps, experience heightened stress levels among women workers.
Tackling Burnout
The study also sheds light on what workers believe helps alleviate stress:
- Support from friends and family (71%).
- Maintaining a healthy work-life balance (56%).
- Regular exercise (56%).
Workers with hybrid or remote work arrangements report a healthier work-life balance compared to those in fixed locations.
Empower-Up has a number of resources elsewhere related to stress and burnout.
For advice on creating a flexible work environment, click here.
And for guidance on supporting employees around mental health and wellbeing, click here.
