New analysis suggests a correlation between a hybrid work environments and an increased number of stress and anxiety diagnoses across the UK.

Research shows a significant rise in stress and anxiety numbers in the UK, with the total number of cases increasing by over 63% between 2020 and 2024. 

The most dramatic rise came in 2021, as hybrid and remote working became the norm. The research, conducted by GEO agency Reboot, suggests hybrid and remote work environments might be part of the cause for the rise in diagnoses, describing these spaces as nurturing an “always-on” culture.  

Fiona Vivian, HR manager at Reboot, says that creating a work environment where employees feel seen and supported, unlike hybrid and remote work, might improve engagement and performance. Vivian explains: "Workplace stress isn’t just a temporary post-pandemic issue. It’s now a structural challenge. Employees are working longer hours, staying connected outside of work, and dealing with higher expectations without enough support. Employers need to go beyond surface-level wellbeing initiatives and build real, sustainable frameworks that genuinely protect mental health.”

This data also reveals that, when measured per 10,000 residents, smaller and mid-sized areas face the biggest increase in mental health diagnoses, with places like North Warwickshire showing 12,318 diagnoses per 10,000 residents. 

Vivian added: “It’s a common misconception that bigger cities are automatically more stressful. In smaller or mid-sized communities, employees often face concentrated workloads without the same level of HR infrastructure and support programs that larger employers can provide.”