ALMOST half of Britain’s workforce are close to burnout after having to put in extra hours during the pandemic, according to research published today.

Continually working at home for the last 18 months has been a factor, with one in 10 of those affected just a day away from breaking down, the survey showed. 

The shocking figures emerged from an investigation by not-for-profit company Westfield Health, which advises businesses and individuals on healthy working lifestyles.

Chief executive Dave Capper said: “The findings from our research paint a worrying picture about the toll the pandemic has taken on workers’ mental health.

“With nearly two thirds of employees working more hours during the pandemic and one in five working an extra five to 10 hours a week, it’s not surprising that burnout is on the horizon for so many.

“There’s a real immediacy to this issue. One in four say they’re less than a week from burnout and more than half of workers are threatening to vote with their feet and find roles that value and protect their mental health.”

Half of respondents said that they had considered changing jobs, mainly because of mental-health problems.

The research suggested that the main reasons workers considered  finding a new job were a desire for better pay, flexibility or wellbeing support.

Mr Capper said: “Businesses now need to take some time to reflect and see whether they are offering their employees what they want and giving them what they deserve.

“These employees are the ones that have kept companies going throughout tough times, so evaluating ways to support them is vital.”