Workplace stress is costing businesses millions, with 52.6% of UK workers admitting they have made mistakes due to stress and one in four calling in sick at least once, according to the Astutis Workplace Silent Stress Survey 2025.
The Astutis survey of 553 participants found that 28.5% had missed deadlines because of stress and 32.9% had clashed with colleagues, but employees rarely speak to managers about their worries, with just 4.7% saying they would confide in their manager and only 1.3% engaging with senior leaders. Most turn to friends or family, which the report suggests may not provide effective support.
Astutis says employers need to review internal processes and company culture to create an environment where staff feel able to discuss stress with management. Improved communication can help reduce lost hours and turnover, while boosting employee well-being and engagement.
Astutis managing director Steve Terry says: “These numbers portray a widespread, workplace culture where employees may feel unsafe to raise stress-related concerns, preferring to suffer in silence.
“Although friends and family can offer emotional support, they have no power to implement changes to workloads or processes. It is management that is positioned to address the root causes that often underpin stress.”
