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Occupational Therapist & Founder, Emotive Therapy
Region: East of England | Website | Linkedin | [email protected]
Lucinda provided regional analysis for Resource Guru’s Burnout Risk Index in the State of (Over)working 2025 Report.
From an occupational science perspective, the East of England's (EoE) lower burnout risk could be partly attributed to its access to outdoor spaces and natural environments. Research indicates that the region has numerous local nature reserves and outdoor areas, which provide opportunities for nature-based activities. Occupational science emphasises the importance of balanced occupation, which includes a healthy mix of work, rest, and physical activity. In the EoE, residents may have greater access to activities like hiking, cycling, or simply walking in local parks; activities that are known to promote physical health, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety. Therefore, these outdoor activities may help individuals to self regulate and reduce the impact of the physical tension and stress that often occurs in desk or office-based work environments. By providing easy access to nature, the EoE offers workers opportunities for restorative breaks that may not have the same psychological impact in highly urbanised areas.
In addition to this perspective the data captured that EoE has lower average work hours, fewer people working weekends, less people working through their annual leave and individuals who may have skipped personal activities, such as exercise or doctors appointments for work, all of which can contribute to reducing the risk of burnout.
The statistic which is the most concerning but also the one I hear most frequently about from my clients is the excessive working hours and lack of time for rest and recovery. The report notes that in some regions, 31 % of respondents working whilst on annual leave to meet deadlines.
When workers are consistently putting in long hours without adequate time for restoration, it can lead to Chronic Fatigue, sleep disruption, emotional dysregulation, a loss of identity outside of your work “role” and a disconnect from your values. In therapy, I often see clients whose entire occupational identity becomes fused with performance or achievement, eroding their ability to disconnect and engage in personally meaningful activities or just “being” or just “doing” unless there is validation from others.
The effects of burnout on employees' physical and mental well-being are substantial and can often be long term. Physically, individuals can be often at risk of musculoskeletal disorders due to poor ergonomics or prolonged sitting without breaks. Over time, this can result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, and other health issues like carpal tunnel syndrome or neck and back pain.
Mentally, chronic overwork without adequate time to engage in rest or restorative activities can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. When employees cannot fully disconnect from work due to ongoing stress or anxiety related to job demands, their bodies produce higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Persistent cortisol production can interfere with sleep, decision-making, and emotional regulation, further exacerbating mental health struggles.
Burnout can also lead to disengagement, with employees becoming less involved in their work. This can result in increased sickness, higher turnover rates, and ultimately, a negative impact on the entire workforce.
Businesses in the East of England already have certain advantages in terms of a more balanced lifestyle, but there is always room for improvement. To support lowering burnout levels, it may help to explore:
• Promote flexible working hours and remote working …
• Encourage regular breaks and physical activity …
• Training on stress management and mental health …
• Ensure adequate support systems …
Room for improvement exists in fostering organisational culture that truly values rest and recovery. In some organisations, there is still an underlying expectation of constant availability or “always being on,” which can lead to overwork.
Employers should care about burnout and indices such as this because burnout has far-reaching consequences for both employees and businesses. High levels of burnout can lead to increased absenteeism, higher turnover rates, lower productivity, and poor employee engagement, all of which have a direct financial impact. By addressing burnout proactively, businesses can improve employee retention, create a more productive workforce, and enhance organisational culture.
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This expert is available for phone, Zoom, or email Q-A.
Press bookings: [email protected] | +44 (0)203 488 5359
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