UK workers are increasingly using both annual leave and sick days to manage stress and burnout, according to research from Employment Hero.
The findings from its ‘Employment Uncovered’ report, which draws on over 100,000 employee records and a survey of 1,000 workers, reveal that 2025 was a year marked by high pressure and uncertainty, but also resilience and adaptability.
The study highlights that employees took an average of 19 days’ annual leave, with December emerging as the busiest month. Long weekends were particularly popular, yet the research shows that leave did not always provide a full break, with 44% of respondents reporting feeling pressured to work while away, and a quarter did not use all of their entitlement. Younger workers were most affected, and December has been identified as the most stressful time of year, followed by January.
Employment Hero’s data also indicates that sick days are increasingly being used to cope with workplace pressures. Between January and October, employees took an average of seven sick days, rising with age, and more than a quarter admitted to taking at least one day off when not physically unwell, often due to burnout or feeling overwhelmed. Full-time staff were more likely to take these days than part-time employees.
But the research finds that 69% of workers reported enjoying their work in 2025, with self-employed and freelance workers the most satisfied. Nearly half of employees view work as a key part of their identity, and 40% would continue working even if financially able to stop, highlighting the ongoing significance of work in people’s lives.
Employment Hero UK managing director Kevin Fitzgerald says: “2025 has been one of the toughest years workers have faced in a long time. People are juggling higher costs, fewer opportunities and intense pressure to stay switched on – and our data shows the toll that’s taking. When nearly half the workforce feels the need to check emails on annual leave or use sick days as an excuse to actually switch off, it’s clear something needs to change.
“But this research also reveals something I think is uniquely British: even in a difficult year, most people still enjoyed their jobs. They showed up, worked hard and found pride in what they do. Employment Uncovered is about recognising that resilience – and helping businesses support their teams better in 2026.”
