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Occupational Therapist & Founder, Laura Bremner Therapy
Region: Scotland | Email | Website | LinkedIn |
Laura contributed regional insight for Resource Guru’s Burnout Risk Index in the State of (Over)working 2025 Report.
Scotland's lower ranking in burnout risk could be attributed to several factors. From my experience, clients north of the border often express greater confidence in the security of their jobs, and that sense of safety has a significant impact on mental health. Scotland also has a relatively strong reputation when it comes to flexible working arrangements and gender equality, although this isn’t consistent across the board. Still, these factors likely contribute to Scotland ranking lower on the risk scale.
Honestly, all of these stats concern me. Neglecting the fundamentals of self-care is undoubtedly contributing to the wider decline in both physical and mental health we're seeing across our communities.
Having no balance, missing downtime, disconnecting from families due to weekend or evening work, not meeting basic needs like sleep — all of this, layered with a culture of “more, more, more,” is like running into a fire with your eyes closed.
The stat that 45 % of workers have skipped sleep or exercise to meet a deadline is particularly alarming. These are not luxuries; they are basic human needs. When they’re sacrificed for productivity, it’s a clear sign of a system out of balance.
Over the years, I’ve worked with many clients signed off work due to stress and burnout. Yes, we know the data — chronic overwork and insufficient rest can lead to anxiety, depression, cardiovascular issues, and a weakened immune system. But the impact goes much further.
My clients often drop every other ball before they drop work; it gets the last of their energy before they become unwell enough to be signed off, and then they’re so riddled with guilt they don't want to be seen out — exacerbating the problem.
Burnout isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a workplace and social responsibility. We need to stop rewarding overwork as if it’s a badge of honour.
Businesses can help maintain low burnout levels by creating cultures that truly prioritise wellbeing, not just through policies, but through lived values. That means supporting employees to honour both their professional and personal values, and modelling that from the top down.
Organisations need leaders who are psychologically safe adults themselves—equipped to lead with clarity, integrity, and emotional intelligence—creating environments where teams can thrive, not just survive.
Organisations should care about this index not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes business sense. The data is clear: people work smarter, more creatively, and more sustainably when they feel psychologically safe. Used proactively, the index can highlight pressure points and guide meaningful change—boosting wellbeing, retention, and long-term performance.
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