UK employers underestimating burnout as 15-point wellbeing perception gap emerges

While 82% of UK employers believe they provide adequate wellbeing support, only 67% of workers actually feel supported, revealing a stark 15-point perception gap. 

This misalignment comes as one in five European employees report that their workload is unsustainable in the long term.

“Burnout is not a future risk,” says the 2026 Great Employee Benefits Study. “It is a present reality for a significant segment of the workforce and employers are largely underestimating its scale.”

The findings demonstrate a fundamental shift in worker expectations, with 67% of UK employees now stating they would be more committed to an employer that prioritises investment in their wellbeing over simply offering salary increases. 

Nearly a third (32%) of employees cite structural overwork as their main operational barrier. Photograph: iStock

“While overall wellbeing scores remain positive on the surface, the data beneath reveals a more concerning picture,” summarises the report.

Gaps between employer provision of wellbeing and employee experience represent "hidden disengagement and retention risk that does not show up in surface-level engagement surveys.”

Rather than generic ‘perks’, UK workers are looking for physical recovery and mental health support, including physiotherapy and injury prevention, mental health counselling, and preventative health assessments. They are also seeking genuine financial support, which recognises everyday cost pressures.

With 32% of employees citing structural overwork as their main operational barrier, the report urges employers to address workload drivers directly. This includes providing flexible working arrangements  and delivering accessible, human-led health support.

Only 35% of European employees would feel comfortable discussing their wellbeing with an AI coach. In the UK, 47% actively disagree.

"When it comes to health and wellbeing, people want to talk to people,” discusses the report when it comes to using AI. 

The report is based on a survey of findings of 8,000 employees and 3,147 leaders across eight European countries. 

The Great Employee Benefits Study is available to download here