More than half of UK employees say their job is harming their physical health, with growing concern that working life is taking a lasting toll on wellbeing.
Around 52 percent of workers report negative physical health impacts linked to their job, while 41 percent say their mental health is also suffering.
More than six in 10 are worried about the long-term effects of work on their health, pointing to rising pressure on employers to address workplace conditions.
The figures, from fitness marketplace Hussle, a UK platform that provides access to gyms and wellness services, reflect wider concerns about how modern working patterns are affecting both physical and mental health.
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Health concerns already affecting performance
The impact is already being felt inside organisations, with 34 percent of employees saying their performance at work has suffered due to issues such as stress, fatigue and ongoing health problems.
At the same time, wellbeing is becoming a deciding factor in retention. Around 60 percent of workers said it influences whether they stay in a role, yet only 36 percent are satisfied with the support currently offered by their employer.
The gap suggests that while awareness of wellbeing has increased in recent years, many organisations are still struggling to translate that into meaningful support for staff.
Sedentary work and sleep disruption driving risk
Working habits appear to be a major driver behind the pattern, with 70 percent of UK employees saying their job leads to more sedentary behaviour.
Half of workers also report disrupted sleep, both of which are closely linked to longer-term health risks including cardiovascular conditions, obesity and burnout.
UK employees also reported higher levels of physical health impact than the global average, alongside poorer sleep and slightly higher levels of mental strain, suggesting the issue is particularly pronounced in the UK.
The scale of the problem is reinforced by national data. The Office for National Statistics, the UK’s official statistics body, has reported more than five million working days lost each year due to stress, depression and anxiety, making it one of the leading causes of sickness absence.
Long hours, limited movement and blurred boundaries between work and home life have all been cited by experts as contributing factors, particularly in hybrid and remote working environments where employees may spend extended periods at their desks.
Employers face growing pressure to act
Pauline Alonso, an employee wellness expert at Hussle, said the data showed workplace conditions were already affecting employees in tangible ways across the UK. “This data shows that for many UK employees, the impact of work on their health is not a distant concern, it is already taking its toll.”
“When nearly half of workers say their physical health is being affected, it signals a clear need for change.”
Alonso said employers that take a proactive approach to wellbeing are more likely to see benefits in both retention and productivity.
“When employers prioritise wellbeing, whether through greater flexibility, stronger culture or better access to fitness and wellness support, they will be better placed to protect their people and their performance.”
Policy changes expected to sharpen focus
The issue is likely to come under even greater scrutiny following recent employment law changes that place more emphasis on employee wellbeing and working conditions.
Measures introduced under the Employment Rights Act have expanded access to flexible working and strengthened rights around sickness absence, increasing expectations on employers to support staff health more effectively.
The changes come at a time when businesses are facing rising costs linked to absenteeism, presenteeism and staff turnover, all of which are closely tied to employee wellbeing.
Wellbeing now central to workforce strategy
The research suggests employees are increasingly treating health and wellbeing as essential rather than an added benefit. Experts say employers that fail to respond risk not only lower productivity but also higher attrition, particularly among younger workers who are more likely to prioritise work-life balance and mental health support.
While many organisations have introduced wellbeing initiatives in recent years, the data suggests these measures are not yet reaching enough employees or delivering the level of impact required.
As pressure builds from both employees and policymakers, workplace health is likely to become a defining issue for employers, shaping how organisations attract, retain and support their workforce in the years ahead.
William Furney is a Managing Editor at Black and White Trading Ltd based in Kingston upon Hull, UK. He is a prolific author and contributor at Workplace Wellbeing Professional, with over 127 published posts covering HR, employee engagement, and workplace wellbeing topics. His writing focuses on contemporary employment issues including pension schemes, employee health, financial struggles affecting workers, and broader workplace trends.
- William Furney
- William Furney
- William Furney
- William Furney
