Work/life balance tops financial worries as leading source of stress, research finds 

Maintaining a good work/life balance is the most common cause of stress for UK workers, according to new research from productivity and performance coaching provider Avilio. 

The nationally representative survey of 1,261 UK workers found that almost a third (32 per cent) identified managing their work/life balance as a key factor in their stress levels. It was selected more often than any financial-related concern, including personal financial security (23 per cent) and family financial security (22 per cent). 

Other frequently cited stressors included being unable to complete everything intended in a day (21 per cent), the domestic economic outlook (21 per cent), the global economic outlook (19 per cent) and job security (18 per cent). 

The findings highlight a wide range of pressures affecting workers. The research also shows that 36 per cent of respondents reported experiencing burnout in the past 12 months, defined in the survey as an extreme and persistent form of stress that causes physical, mental and emotional exhaustion. 

Philippe Masson, CEO of Avilio, said:

“In an uncertain economic climate and a sustained cost of living crisis, you might expect finances to be the most significant cause of stress. Yet our research shows that even in this context, managing a good/work life balance is still keeping people up at night. Many organisations have – for obvious reasons – prioritised financial wellbeing schemes in recent years. However, this research serves as a useful reminder that wellbeing must be seen holistically. Policies such as flexible and hybrid working and continued open dialogues about the balance of responsibilities at work and at home can go a long way to boosting worker satisfaction, productivity, engagement and loyalty – all of which have a direct impact on company ROI.” 

The research was carried out by Opinium between 6 and 10 October 2025. The sample includes 506 respondents in management roles.