A recent report has found over two-thirds of UK communications and HR professionals have experienced burnout at work.

A recent study from software company Oak Engage has found 76% of UK professionals working in communications and HR have faced burnout, citing work-life imbalance as a main reason. 

Employee productivity and wellbeing is being impacted by an “always on” culture, according to the report, with 73% of professionals saying they felt the need to be accessible at all times, even outside of work hours. 

Along with rising burnout levels, there has been a fall in productivity this year across industries. The latest estimate from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) finds that UK productivity this year is 0.8% lower than in 2024.

Higher levels of anxiety and burnout can impact productivity numbers, as Oak Engage's report finds 69% of communications professionals believe they would feel more productive knowing their time outside of work was protected. Additionally, 79% of employees would claim more loyalty to a company that respected their personal time.

The report shares possible ways of fighting back against employee burnout, such as being comfortable saying “no” to excess tasks and not taking responsibility for tasks you can pass on. Will Murray, CEO at Oak Engage, says these tips aim to help communications professionals create a work-life balance, protect their personal time and prevent burnout at work.