More than one in three (35%) UK employees would choose to separate their work and personal memories if they could, a concept inspired by the television series Severance.
Among Gen Z workers, this figure rises to 43 percent – proof of growing concerns about work-life balance, new research found.
The study, conducted by workplace mental health platform Unmind, surveyed 2,000 UK employees and found that two in five (41%) struggle to switch off from work when they are not there. Many feel pressure to remain connected, with 40 percent stating that their employer has contacted them outside working hours and 44 percent regularly checking emails or messages during their personal time.
Blurred Lines
The research also highlights the impact of workplace culture on identity. More than a third (38%) of respondents reported having a ‘work persona’ that differs from their real self. Almost a third (30%) felt their job dominates their identity, making it difficult to maintain personal and professional boundaries.
Among Gen Z workers, these concerns were even more pronounced, with 52 percent acknowledging a work persona and 44 percent feeling their job takes up too much of their identity.
Dr Nick Taylor, CEO and co-founder of Unmind, said, that the findings show how blurred the lines between work and personal life have become.
“The challenge for organisations is to create a culture where employees feel comfortable setting boundaries, rather than feeling the need to compartmentalise their work and personal identities,” he said.
Pressures to Stay Connected and Appear Busy
The research highlights that only 56 percent of employees are satisfied with their work-life balance. Nearly one in three (29%) have considered quitting their job due to poor balance between work and personal life, and over a third (36%) feel guilty when taking time off. There is also pressure to appear productive, with one in three (33%) employees – rising to 47 percent of Gen Z workers – admitting they have pretended to be busy at work. This reflects a culture where presenteeism is valued over actual productivity.
Mental health challenges are also a growing concern. Nearly one in five (19%) UK workers have been signed off sick due to mental health issues in the past year. This figure rises to 34 percent among those aged 18-24 and 31 percent among those aged 25-34. Burnout is widely recognised, with 83 percent of employees stating that it is a significant and common issue in their workplace. Additionally, 61 percent have noticed an increase in mental health-related absences or turnover in their organisation.
Dr Taylor added, “This research is a stark reminder of the stress and pressure people face today. No one should feel the need to completely forget about their work lives just to cope.”
Rather than employees feeling they must disconnect entirely from work to protect their mental health, employers can take proactive steps to create a more supportive culture. Dr Taylor suggests that organisations should prioritise mental, emotional and social wellbeing by providing access to proactive tools, therapy and coaching.