Are UK workplaces that top the stress scale?
London Leads UK Workplace Stress Rankings
What Is Stress?
Stress is a mental tension sparked by challenging situations, prompting us to tackle threats.
While everyone experiences some stress, it can affect physical, emotional and personal wellbeing, especially when it feels overwhelming.
Key Stress Indicators
- Long Working Hours: % of residents working >49 hrs/week
- Median Monthly Pay (£): average salary
- Commute Time (minutes): average daily travel
- Unemployment Rate (%): job market pressure
- Monthly Living Cost (£): expenses per household
Top 10 Stressful Workplaces in the UK
-
London
Long Hours: 19.8% | Pay: 5,951 | Commute: 118.96 mins | Unemployment: 6.4% | Living Cost: 1,059.99 | Stress Score 100 -
Stratford‑upon‑Avon
Long Hours: 6.6% | Pay: 2,595 | Commute: 335 mins | Unemployment: 5.2% | Living Cost: 850.91 | Stress Score 70 -
Farnham (Waverley)
Long Hours: 7.1% | Pay: 2,915 | Commute: 414 mins | Unemployment: 4.1% | Living Cost: 950.85 | Stress Score 68 -
Hemel Hempstead (Dacorum)
Long Hours: 6.1% | Pay: 2,785 | Commute: 414 mins | Unemployment: 4.5% | Living Cost: 870.83 | Stress Score 66 -
Saffron Walden (Uttlesford)
Long Hours: 6.9% | Pay: 2,733 | Commute: 416 mins | Unemployment: 4.5% | Living Cost: 915.78 | Stress Score 65 -
Hertford (East Hertfordshire)
Long Hours: 6.7% | Pay: 2,926 | Commute: 416 mins | Unemployment: 4.5% | Living Cost: 915.71 | Stress Score 64 -
Oxted (Tandridge)
Long Hours: 6.9% | Pay: 2,928 | Commute: 445 mins | Unemployment: 4.1% | Living Cost: 860.69 | Stress Score 63 -
Esher (Elmbridge)
Long Hours: 8.6% | Pay: 3,374 | Commute: 442 mins | Unemployment: 4.1% | Living Cost: 860.68 | Stress Score 62 -
Epsom (Epsom & Ewell)
Long Hours: 6.3% | Pay: 3,119 | Commute: 442 mins | Unemployment: 4.1% | Living Cost: 950.66 | Stress Score 60 -
Camberley (Surrey Heath)
Long Hours: 6.5% | Pay: 2,964 | Commute: 438 mins | Unemployment: 4.1% | Living Cost: 950.62 | Stress Score 58
Why London Stands Out
London dominates the rankings due to the following factors:
- Nearly 20 % of residents work excessive hours, four times the national average.
- Each employee earns almost £6,000 monthly but spends over £1,000 on living expenses.
- Unemployment hovers at 6.4 %, intensifying job market competition.
Other Notable Stress Zones
- Stratford‑upon‑Avon: long commutes (10 hrs/week) despite modest salaries.
- Farnham (Waverley): high commute hours and sizable living costs.
- Hemel Hempstead: significant commuting time and moderate unemployment.
- Surrey Districts (Esher, Camberley): a mix of high salaries, commutes, and living expenses.
Implications for Employees
Extended work hours combined with long commutes and high living costs can lead to chronic stress.
Organizations may consider supportive interventions such as flexible schedules, remote work to reduce commuting, and employee wellness programs.
