Burnout affecting more than two in five UK tech workers 

More than two in five UK tech workers are said to have experienced burnout at least once a month, according to a report from health insurer Bupa and employee benefits provider YuLife. 

The report, Tech’s Hidden Health Cost, draws on a YouGov survey of 5,052 UK adults working in the tech sector and highlights what it describes as rising levels of stress, fatigue and delayed healthcare among employees, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).  

The findings suggest that 41 per cent of tech employees report experiencing burnout monthly, while 69 per cent delay seeking medical care due to workload pressure. The report also states that 38 per cent experience eye strain and headaches, 33 per cent report mental fatigue, and 31 per cent report poor sleep.  

Presenteeism – employees working while unwell – is identified as a significant issue. The report cites external research suggesting UK businesses lose an average of 44 working days per employee each year due to presenteeism, rather than sickness absence.  

Richard Norris, commercial director at Bupa, said the pace of modern working life is making it difficult for employees to prioritise their health. 

“The pace and pressures of modern working life mean many people can’t find the time to prioritise their health, particularly within tech SMEs,” Norris said. “By focusing on prevention and early access to quality healthcare as part of everyday work, businesses can help employees stay well and perform at their best.”  

The report also highlights the impact on senior leaders, with 70 per cent reporting poor mental health at work in the past 12 months, and 35 per cent saying they do not have time to take care of themselves.  

Sammy Rubin, founder and executive chair of YuLife, said that traditional wellbeing programmes are failing to address day-to-day behaviours. “Real change happens when wellbeing becomes part of daily life,” he said.  “Consistent engagement turns healthy actions into lasting habits, helping people stay active, seek support sooner, and perform at their best.” 

The report argues that while many employers offer health and wellbeing benefits, take-up remains low. It states that only one in 20 employees access mental health support they are offered and only one in 10 use preventative healthcare services. 

Bupa and YuLife say the findings point to a need for earlier intervention and better engagement with workplace health support, particularly in fast-growing tech businesses where long hours and digital-first working patterns are common. 

The report was published in 2025 and focuses on the UK tech sector