October was found to be the peak month for burnout searches, with experts advising workers on how to cope and when to consider a career change.
As the world marks International Day of Happiness this March, new research suggests that happiness at work may be harder to find for many UK workers. October was found to be the peak month for burnout-related searches, with experts advising workers on how to cope and when to consider a career change.
Burnout has become increasingly common amongst workers in the UK, with many struggling with their daily working lives. According to the NHS, symptoms of burnout include extreme fatigue and sleep problems, as well as emotional signs such as irritability and feelings of detachment, and behavioural changes such as social withdrawal and reduced productivity.
In fact the recent , Salary and Benefits Review shows that burnout is now the fourth most common reason why employees left their jobs in the past year, following salary dissatisfaction, lack of progression, and a desire to learn new skills. The report also highlighted a generational trend, with 27% of Millennials citing burnout or unsustainable workloads as their key reason for quitting – the highest percentage of any age group.
Complementing these insights, new data from the burnout trends study reveals concerning patterns across the UK regarding burnout awareness. By analysing Google search trends over the past year, the research identifies the cities where searches for burnout symptoms are most common, highlighting the regions under the greatest strain.
Key Findings:
- Birmingham ranks first in the UK for the highest number of average monthly searches for “burnout symptoms,” indicating a significant concern among workers in the city.
- Derby has seen the most dramatic increase in burnout-related searches, experiencing a 100% rise in searches over the past year.
- October was the peak month for burnout searches, with two cities showing a significant increase in search activity during this period, suggesting that October 2025 could follow the same pattern.
These are the cities most concerned about burnout
Birmingham tops the ranking with the highest number of monthly searches for “burnout symptoms,” recording 1300 searches per month on average. This suggests that professionals in the city may be experiencing high levels of workplace stress and exhaustion.
Other cities that rank high for burnout-related searches include Bath (470 searches), Newcastle (780 searches), and Bristol (1090 searches). You can see the full breakdown of the data below:
|
CITY |
RANK |
AVG. MONTHLY SEARCHES FOR “BURNOUT SYMPTOMS” |
|
Birmingham |
1 |
1300 |
|
Bath |
2 |
470 |
|
Newcastle |
3 |
780 |
|
Bristol |
4 |
1090 |
|
Edinburgh |
5 |
1030 |
|
Manchester |
6 |
1090 |
|
Coventry |
7 |
650 |
|
Liverpool |
8 |
880 |
|
Hull |
9 |
490 |
|
Derby |
10 |
450 |
|
Glasgow |
11 |
1060 |
|
Brighton and Hove |
12 |
460 |
|
Milton Keyes |
13 |
440 |
|
Cardiff |
14 |
550 |
|
Southampton |
15 |
380 |
The cities experiencing the biggest increase in burnout searches
While Birmingham records the highest number of searches, Derby has seen the largest surge in burnout-related queries, with a 100% increase in searches over the past year.
Other cities that are also seeing a sharp rise in burnout-related searches include Cardiff (+50%) and Hull (+13%), which have both seen substantial growth in searches. This suggests that burnout awareness is increasing across multiple regions, with more workers searching for symptoms and potential solutions.
|
CITY |
SEARCH INCREASE |
|
Derby |
100% |
|
Cardiff |
50% |
|
Hull |
13% |
|
Glasgow |
2% |
October was the peak month for burnout in the UK
Tiger Recruitment’s research reveals that October was consistently the most critical month for burnout-related searches, with two cities experiencing an increase in search volumes during this period.
Among the cities that have shown the most noticeable spike in burnout searches during October were Cardiff and Glasgow. The surge increase in searches suggests that October is a particularly difficult time for workers across the UK with many experiencing heightened levels of stress and fatigue.
In the months leading up to Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, October appeared to be the month where individuals experienced the most burnout with workplace stress, and seasonal fatigue leading to a rise in burnout symptoms.
|
|
Avg. Monthly Searches for Burnout Symptoms |
Month w/ Highest Searches |
|
Cardiff |
50% |
October 2024 |
|
Glasgow |
2% |
October 2024 |
How to Prevent and Manage Burnout
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are some expert-backed strategies from Tiger Recruitment to help you manage burnout effectively:
- Recognise the Signs – Fatigue, loss of motivation, and difficulty concentrating are key indicators of burnout.
- Set Boundaries – Avoid checking work emails outside of office hours and take regular breaks throughout the day.
- Prioritise Self-Care – Exercise, proper sleep, and a balanced diet can help reduce stress levels.
- Seek Support – Talking to a manager, HR representative, or mental health professional can provide valuable guidance.
- Consider a Career Change – If your current role is causing chronic stress, it might be time to explore new job opportunities.
Burnout is often an indication that a career change may be necessary – whether that involves moving to a role with a healthier work-life balance, joining a more supportive working environment, or reconsidering a long-term career path. Tiger Recruitment specialises in helping professionals at all stages take the next step towards rewarding and sustainable work.
*Research from Tiger Recruitment’s – Salary and Benefits Review
