One-in-four (24%) UK employees have taken time off work in the past 12 months due to stress, new research from Avilio has found.

The productivity and performance coaching provider commissioned an independent, nationally representative survey of 1284 UK workers, 739 of whom are in management positions. It found that over a third (34%) of workers have experienced burnout in the past 12 months.

Of those who are managers, 38% say they are stressed on a day-to-day basis in their professional lives.

When managers were questioned about their employers’ response to employee wellbeing, 58% say their organisation has initiatives in place to monitor and improve employees’ wellbeing. A similar number (61%) believe that their organisation cares about their stress and emotional wellbeing.

This comes as nearly three-in-ten (28%) employees say they are likely to change jobs between now and the end of 2025.

Philippe Masson, CEO of Avilio, said: “Clearly, there’s a disconnect between the wellbeing initiatives in place and the actual needs of employees. Even though many feel their organisation cares about their stress and emotional wellbeing, rampantly high levels of stress and burnout suggest that current efforts are just not enough – it’s time for employers to change that.

“True support should go beyond awareness and tick-box policies. It requires consistent, proactive, evidence-based solutions that effectively reduce stress and foster a healthier workplace. Such a significant proportion of workers taking time off consistently has clear financial implications for businesses and without robust solutions in place, they will continue paying the price. In addition, they risk losing out on top talent – and with so many looking to leave their jobs, it’s clear that retention should be a top priority.

“Greater levels of support to reduce stress and burnout would strengthen both employee wellbeing and staff retention rates. After all, a healthy and well-functioning workforce cannot be built on good intentions alone, but instead forged through meaningful policies that truly meet employees’ needs.”