A widening disconnect between UK business leaders and their employees is threatening workforce health and retention, according to a study published by employee benefits platform, Epassi.
News
UK employers underestimating burnout as 15-point wellbeing perception gap emerges
By
on 22 July 2026
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
NEWS
Scheme to recognise commitment to transport staff wellbeing launched by Road Haulage Association
By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 01 October 2026
A new Wellbeing Recognition Scheme designed to allow organisations across the HGV, coach and van sectors to demonstrate their commitment to improving the health, wellbeing and resilience of the industry’s workforce has been launched by the Road Haulage Association (RHA).
Cost-of-living pressure is cutting into UK workers’ productivity, says report
By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 04 October 2026
The cost of living is the single largest financial stressor for 62% of UK workers, far outweighing concerns about retirement savings (12%) and building emergency funds (8%), a new study has revealed. Sixty-two per cent of workers admit they do not fully understand the workplace retirement plan they pay into each month, according to TELUS Health’s Q2 2026 TELUS Mental Health Index.
Employers must meet staff to discuss flexible working requests, says first secretary of state
By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 01 October 2026
Bosses must meet with employees who request flexible working and explain their reasons for any refusals, said Louise Haigh, first secretary of state, in a speech to the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in Brighton on 15 September.