Three quarters of workers in the UK have suffered from burnout in the past 12 months, according to work management tool Asana.
The study found this to be above the global average of 71% and is likely driven by a rise in the number of people working longer hours. Eight-six per cent of those surveyed in the UK admitted working later by an average of 1 hour 46 minutes, up from 78% in 2019.
Asana said the results also suggest that imposter syndrome has played a big part in the rise of burnout sufferers, particularly as a result of more remote working through the Covid-19 pandemic.
The survey found 69% are now suffering from imposter syndrome, with 45% of those claiming it has increased since starting remote working. Interestingly, 84% of those who started a new job during the pandemic had experienced imposter syndrome.
Respondents also pointed to unnecessary work and meetings being a significant contributor to their longer working hours. On average, unnecessary video calls are resulting in more than three hours of wasted time every week, and 157 hours per year per worker.
Each worker spends an average 4 hours 46 minutes on duplicated work every week, which sees them completing tasks that a colleague has already done. It also found that UK workers are least likely to miss a deadline, compared with global counterparts. Only 21% of deadlines are missed in the UK compared to 25% around the world.
Simon O’Kane, head of EMEA at Asana, said: “Our latest research illustrates the increased levels of imposter syndrome, anxiety and burnout many British office workers are currently experiencing. With a third lockdown in place, and many now facing the prospect of more remote working in the weeks and months ahead, never has it been more important for companies to not only look after the wellbeing of their staff, but also fully understand the unique challenges their employees may be facing.”