UK workers face end-of-year pressures, seek wellbeing boost

Workhuman has unveiled its latest Human Workplace Index findings, which underline increasing pressures faced by UK workers as 2024 draws to a close and highlight strategies for improving wellbeing in 2025.

The report reveals that a significant portion of UK employees feel heightened stress due to end-of-year workload demands. Currently, 37% report increased pressure to meet goals, while 36% plan to check work emails during their time off, indicating an inability to fully disconnect from work duties.

As the festive period approaches, 20% of employees are taking less time off than desired due to their workloads. These factors contribute to work-life balance being named a top priority by employees for improvement in 2025, surpassing considerations such as company culture and work arrangements.

Despite these stressors, a majority of UK workers report that their overall wellbeing has remained stable or improved, with 81% stating that their wellbeing is the same or better than last year. Notably, 35% have reported actual improvements in their wellbeing.

Employees are keen to take active steps towards enhancing their workplace wellbeing, with 37% aiming to boost productivity, 38% looking to acquire new skills, and 33% wanting to develop social connections. A substantial number of employees also seek recognition from their employers as a means of supporting their wellbeing.

Public appreciation plays a critical role in managing stress, especially during intense periods, with 60% of employees indicating that recognition aids them in meeting year-end goals. This sentiment is even stronger among younger workers, with 67% of Gen Z and Millennials noting its importance.

Niamh Graham, Senior Vice President of Global Human Experience at Workhuman, stated, "At a time when employees overwhelmingly cite increased pressure and intensity as the biggest challenges to productivity, recognition offers a simple, meaningful way for organisations to support their teams and boost morale. But employee recognition must be done right for it to be effective. It must go beyond holidays gifts or end-of-year bonuses, offering genuine expressions of appreciation to help employees feel seen, supported, and celebrated all year round. When leaders prioritise recognition and wellbeing, they're not just easing immediate stress – they're creating a stronger culture and sense of connection that will carry teams into 2025 and beyond in a very human way."

The study carried out by Workhuman, in collaboration with Pollfish, surveyed 1,000 full-time UK employees to gain a comprehensive understanding of the employment landscape and the pressures workers currently face. The findings provide organisations with insights on how to promote employee satisfaction and productivity in the forthcoming year.