An increasing number of working Britons are putting their personal wellbeing ahead of social lives, with sleep, exercise and alone time now rated as higher priorities than pub nights or post-work gatherings.
New research from Reward Gateway | Edenred, a workplace benefits and employee experience provider, shows that 58 percent of UK employees have actively prioritised their wellbeing in the past six months. It marks a significant rise from the 40 percent who reported doing so over the course of the previous year.
The nationally representative survey of 4,002 UK workers found that self-care routines are becoming embedded in how people manage their work and personal lives. Popular wellbeing practices included making time for oneself (67 percent), regular physical activity (55 percent) and ensuring sufficient sleep (54 percent).
Work-life balance a rising concern
The findings also point to a growing focus on work-life balance, with nearly half of employees (48 percent) saying that nothing is more important to them. A third (35 percent) said they now make sure to take their full annual leave entitlement, not only for holidays but also to rest and recover.
A smaller number (29 percent) are taking active steps to set boundaries at work, such as always taking their lunch breaks and leaving on time. Some 15 percent have either moved to part-time roles or changed their working hours to improve personal wellbeing.
These figures align with wider trends in workplace culture, where burnout, overwork and rising health anxieties have prompted calls for employers to support rest and recovery as part of their wellbeing strategies.
Health overtaking social life
The data also suggests that social pressures around after-work drinks and constant availability may be easing. More employees are now choosing time alone and health-focused routines over socialising. As fear of missing out (FOMO) becomes less prominent, nearly a third (29 percent) reported reducing alcohol consumption, either by cutting back or switching to alcohol-free options.
Eating well is another self-care priority, with 46 percent of respondents saying they now actively manage their diet to support their health and energy levels.
Creative outlets are also proving popular. Some 16 percent of workers have taken up a new hobby, while 12 percent attend therapy or talking sessions. Another 12 percent participate in regular wellbeing workshops or classes, indicating that mental health and emotional resilience are being treated with greater seriousness by a portion of the workforce.
Employers encouraged to support the change
Chris Britton, people experience director at Reward Gateway | Edenred, said the research suggested there could be benefits for both wellbeing and productivity.
“Life has never felt as fast-paced as it does now, which is why it’s great that employees are putting themselves first and slowing down,” said Britton. “Whether that’s by re-energising with some deserved alone time or getting in a full eight hours of sleep, it’s important that our British workforce is doing what they need to feel well-rested, happy and, most importantly, in the best condition to go through their day productively.”
Britton said the findings should serve as a prompt for employers and government to strengthen the focus on health and wellbeing as essential pillars of economic participation.
“There are more people on benefits than ever before and worklessness continues to be an issue the Government is struggling to unravel, so it’s encouraging that our workers are taking matters into their own hands,” he said.
“But this shouldn’t be a lonely road towards success, especially in the middle of the country’s health crisis. Wellbeing should be at the forefront of business agendas, and the government should support this move if we want to see the country, and its people, thrive.”
Practical tools can make a difference
Britton added that workplace leaders could support employee wellbeing through improved communication and accessible resources.
“Consistent, visible communication, self-serving wellbeing tools and workplace benefits are just some of the ways to do this,” he said. “Not only does it demonstrate support from a position of leadership but it also removes the stigma around health, and ill-health.
“Everyone deserves to feel supported in their wellness journey, and it’s time for businesses to harness the potential to make a positive change in their employees’ lives.”
Younger workers and wellbeing
Although the survey did not break down the data by age group, previous reports have indicated that younger employees are among the most proactive in pursuing better work-life balance and mental health support.
The move away from the culture of presenteeism and towards more sustainable working patterns may reflect broader changes in how work is viewed. With flexible and hybrid working now widely adopted, staff are more able to shape their days around personal routines that contribute to better sleep, nutrition and mental clarity.
While many employers have introduced wellbeing benefits, from gym subsidies to mindfulness apps, experts say the key to lasting impact lies in embedding support into everyday culture rather than treating it as a perk.
The survey was conducted by polling firm Censuswide between 8 and 14 May 2025 among a nationally representative sample of 4,002 UK employees.
