Work stress has turned into an economic loss

In Britain, burnout and work-related stress have become a measurable loss of labour for companies and public services. Latest figures show that 22 million working days were lost for this reason in the 2024-25 period.

That picture also reflects the experience of workers such as former communications professional Jo Hooper, who rose quickly through her career. Hooper said she burned out about a year after reaching the management role she had aimed for at 30, suffered two severe breakdowns in the same year and eventually left her career.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines burnout as a state of physical and emotional exhaustion. Experts say it is not classified as a mental illness, but it can develop as a result of prolonged, unmanaged stress and may lead to other health problems if left unaddressed.

Young workers and public services are under greater pressure

According to Mental Health UK, two in five workers aged 18-24 took time off in 2025 because of stress-related mental health problems. The figure suggests that absenteeism and productivity pressures are becoming more visible among people entering the labour market.

Trade unions are particularly concerned about midwives and teachers in Wales leaving the profession because of burnout. TUC Cymru says stress has become the biggest risk in the workplace, overtaking traditional hazards such as chemical exposure or unsafe machinery.

  • Low pay
  • Precarious contracts
  • Unmanageable workloads

Experts say leave alone is not enough

North Wales-based psychologist and business coach Dr Jill Williams says perfectionists or people who constantly take on extra responsibility face a higher risk. According to experts, work habits that are rewarded with promotion can also become a major cause of burnout if boundaries are not set.

Public Health Wales official Amy Davies stressed that stress and burnout are not the same, noting that burnout is marked by a feeling that a person has no resources left to continue. Assessments suggest that rest alone often does not provide a lasting solution; if the same pace and expectations continue after returning to work, the problem can come back.

Britain’s workplace health and safety regulator, the Health and Safety Executive, reminded employers that they have a legal duty to assess and manage work-related stress risks. The Welsh government said it is working with employers and unions to ease pressure, support employee wellbeing and provide appropriate mental health support.