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Senior Occupational Therapist & Founder, Navigate Neurodiversity Occupational Therapy
Region: East Midlands | Website | LinkedIn | [email protected]
Alexandra was asked questions related to Resource Guru’s Burnout Risk Index as part of the State of (Over)working 2025 Report.
I can't speak for all of the East Midlands. However, in my local area, many people value the outdoors and spending time in nature because we are on the doorstep of the Peak District. We know that time in nature is a brilliant free resource for our mental health, which may reduce burnout risk. Sheffield has access to great services like SOHAS, "Sheffield Occupational Health Advisory Service," which provides free, independent occupational health advice! This will mean more people can access reasonable adjustments & support, making work more sustainable. The cost of living here is lower than places like London, which also helps workers to have lower overall stress levels during the cost-of-living crisis, less need to overwork and [people] are more likely to be able to fund leisure activities.
These two: 54 % work weekends and 39 % have skipped exercise or sleep to meet a deadline
54 % of employees work weekends, meaning many do not have occupational balance. Not having enough time for quality rest and to participate in their “meaningful occupations” will worsen their fatigue levels, quality of life, and mental health, causing anxiety and depression.
39 % have skipped exercise or sleep to meet a deadline. Sleep deprivation and limited physical activity are linked to increased stress and higher burnout risk.
Both stats are particularly concerning for any disabled employees, it’s a recipe for occupational and autistic burnout.
Working a desk job, constantly working weekends, and skipping exercise will contribute to worsening physical health through weight gain, de-conditioning and increased risk of multiple health conditions.
Equally, having limited access to exercise and leisure time greatly impacts mental wellbeing. Work may not be someone's “meaningful occupation”; therefore it’s very important they have time to access meaningful occupations outside of work.