Research Reveals UK Tech Industry’s Hidden Battle with Burnout

A new report from Bupa and YuLife, Tech’s Hidden Health Cost, highlights growing health and wellbeing issues in UK tech SMEs. The findings come from a YouGov survey, Bupa clinical pathway data, and behavioural research from the University of Essex. Together, the data shows that many tech workers are seeing their health decline because of workplace pressures.

Key findings from 5,000 UK tech workers

• 41% experience burnout at least once a month.
• 69% delay getting health support because they are too busy.
• 44% miss exercise or self-care due to work.
• 33% feel mentally fatigued from their job.
• 31% say their work affects their sleep.
• 38% report eye strain or headaches due to long screen time.
• 21% put off GP appointments.
• 13% have missed health screenings because of workload.

Despite these concerns, the report shows a clear engagement gap. Many employees do not use the health support offered by their employers.

Although 96% of UK employers provide mental health support, only around one in 20 employees make use of it. Heavy workloads, lack of awareness and digital-first environments may stop employees from seeking help when they need it.

Why SMEs need to act now

Delaying health support can make problems worse. When people continue working while unwell (known as presenteeism), recovery takes longer. This can lead to more lost time overall — the report notes 6.6 days of lost productivity for every single day of recorded absence.

Fast access to quality healthcare helps employees recover and stay healthy, but prevention is even more effective. Regular engagement with wellbeing support can reduce the chance of problems escalating.

What the experts say

Richard Norris, Commercial Director at Bupa, said: “The pace and pressure of modern working life means many people can’t find the time to prioritise their health, and we see this particularly within tech SMEs. By focusing on prevention and ensuring people have early access to quality healthcare as part of everyday working life, businesses can help employees stay well and perform at their best, helping them to thrive both personally and professionally.”

Sammy Rubin, founder and CEO of YuLife, said: “Real change happens when wellbeing becomes part of daily life. Our data shows that consistent engagement turns healthy actions into lasting habits, helping people stay active, seek support sooner, and perform at their best. When prevention becomes behaviour, everyone wins.”

Practical steps for tech SMEs

1. Lead by example

Culture starts with leadership. Think about the messages you send, even unintentionally. Do you take time off for your own medical or dental appointments? Do you encourage healthier habits in the workplace, such as allowing time for breaks, or offering facilities to prepare food?

When leaders model good wellbeing habits, employees feel more able to do the same.

2. Review your workplace policies

Check whether your policies make it easy or hard for staff to care for themselves. Flexible working hours, time for healthcare appointments, and clear boundaries around working hours can make a real difference.

Strong policies encourage healthy behaviour and help people manage work–life balance more effectively.

3. Encourage open communication

Regular check-ins help you understand how staff are coping. Open conversations can uncover workload issues early, allowing managers to adjust responsibilities before problems grow.

This also helps identify when the team is struggling to stay well while meeting business goals.

4. Use technology for better wellbeing

Wearable technology can help employees stay aware of their activity and health patterns. YuLife’s data shows that companies using wearables see a 17% increase in daily activity and an 11.5% drop in absenteeism.

Gamified wellbeing tools also make it easier for staff to build healthy routines. When combined with fast access to clinical support, the result is more sustainable health outcomes.

The crux of the matter

A healthy workforce is essential for a healthy business. The research makes one thing clear: tech SMEs must take proactive steps to support employee wellbeing.

Access to healthcare is important, but regular, preventative engagement is what truly protects performance, talent and long-term success.

About the author

Richard Norris is Bupa UK Insurance’s Commercial Director, responsible for strategy across all UK insurance segments. Bupa UK Insurance, the UK’s leading health insurer, provides health and dental insurance, helping over 4 million people live longer, healthier, happier lives.