Today, HiBob, the innovative HR platform reshaping the modern world of work, has released groundbreaking research shedding light on the mental state of workers in the UK.
The study also delves into the motivations driving employees in the contemporary workplace and identifies key factors that will contribute to resignations throughout 2024.
As the new year unfolds, HiBob’s research paints a concerning picture of employee mental wellness in the UK. A staggering 20 percent of Brits report feeling burned out at work, while 29 percent express high levels of stress. Alarmingly, only 16 percent describe their mental state at work as adequately supported.
Consequently, a significant majority of UK workers (70%) are contemplating a job change in 2024, with over a quarter (28%) planning to do so within the next six months. The driving force behind this surge in resignations is a yearning for a more balanced work-life equilibrium, cited by 17 percent of respondents.
New Year, New Priorities: ‘Work to Rule’
Nearly a third (30%) of UK workers highlight proper support for work-life balance as their primary motivation at work, closely followed by aspirations for a salary increase or promotion (29%).
In a bid to reclaim control over their work-life balance and workplace culture, 22 percent of British workers intend to set boundaries at work. They plan to say ‘no’ more often to requests that would extend their working hours, make them work late, or increase their workload beyond the originally agreed terms.
Working Remotely vs. In the Office
Post-pandemic, the debate surrounding remote work versus in-office work has been a central theme. Despite a collective pursuit of a better work-life balance, only 11 percent of Brits plan to work from home more frequently. In contrast, a substantial 88 percent intend to maintain an office-based or hybrid working pattern.
Key factors drawing people back to the office include the need to separate work from home (20%), collaboration and teamwork (19%), access to resources (14%), and the allure of free heating in the winter (13%). However, 40 percent of UK workers express concerns about the increased travel costs associated with a mandated return to the office.
Ronni Zehavi, CEO and Co-Founder of HiBob, comments on the findings, “As we head into 2024, our research shows that employees across the UK are feeling stressed and burned out, prompting them to reassess their expectations from the workplace and employer. While pay increases may not always be feasible in times of economic challenges, these insights emphasise that supporting employees’ work-life balance will be a crucial differentiator for businesses in 2024 amid the ongoing war for attracting and retaining top talent.”
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
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