Stress levels are rising across UK workplaces as employers shift wellbeing from perk to performance priority 

Employers across the UK are reporting rising stress levels among staff, with new research suggesting workplace wellbeing is now viewed as a core driver of business performance rather than a discretionary benefit. 

Research by Hussle, based on a survey of 1,000 UK business decision-makers, found that 79 per cent have seen stress increase among employees in the past year. In response, 83 per cent say they are more likely to explore new wellbeing solutions in 2026. 

The findings reflect a broader shift in how UK organisations approach workplace health and wellbeing, with employers increasingly linking physical and mental health support to productivity, retention and long-term performance. 

More than nine in 10 employers (92 per cent) believe improving staff wellbeing boosts productivity, while 96 per cent say physical health is crucial to overall business performance. A further 92 per cent view wellbeing as essential to retaining staff in a competitive labour market. 

With many UK employees continuing to work in hybrid or remote roles, employers are under pressure to provide support that is accessible and relevant across different working patterns. However, the research highlights significant barriers, particularly for smaller organisations. 

Cost was cited as the biggest hurdle by 25 per cent of employers overall. Among small businesses, that figure rises to 42 per cent, compared with 13 per cent of large organisations. In addition, 72 per cent say tailoring wellbeing benefits to suit in-office, remote and hybrid teams remains a challenge. 

Smaller firms also report feeling increased competitive pressure, with 82 per cent saying they are under strain to match the wellbeing offering of larger employers. More than a third (35 per cent) say available options are not comprehensive enough or that suppliers do not fully understand the needs of their business and workforce. 

Neil Harmsworth, Co-Founder and COO at Hussle, said: “Employers want to do the right thing. They understand the value of wellbeing and are eager to invest more, but access, affordability and flexibility remain major challenges. The opportunity now is to make wellbeing easier to deliver, easier to use and inclusive for every type of business.” 

Hussle partners with employers and private medical insurers to provide access to gyms, pools, spas and online fitness services across the UK. The company says flexible access models can help organisations support physical activity and preventative health strategies without long-term contracts or fixed-site limitations. 

The research was conducted by Censuswide between 23 December 2025 and 30 December 2025, among 1,000 UK business decision-makers aged 18 and above. 

As UK organisations continue to grapple with rising stress, hybrid working and talent retention pressures, the findings underline a growing expectation that workplace health and wellbeing strategies must move beyond policy statements and into practical, measurable support for employees