Birmingham is the most stressed city in Britain, according to a new study.
The research from office solutions provider Instant Offices, which measured factors such as salary levels, gender pay gaps and online searches for ‘work stress’ and ‘burnout’, shows that residents of the West Midlands have the highest levels of stress nationally experienced.
Birmingham’s position at the top of the list stems from its relatively high number of stress-related internet searches, notable gender pay gap and lower-than-average salaries. Nearby Coventry comes second in the survey, putting the West Midlands as a region under the greatest pressure. Many residents report cutting back on social activities and exercise due to work-related pressures.
Data shows that the average UK worker took 21.1 days off work in 2024 due to stress, depression or anxiety – leading to a total of 16.4 million lost working days. Among the most commonly cited causes of burnout are high workloads (including unpaid duties), pressure on living costs, job insecurity and bullying or isolation in the workplace. One in four adults in Britain admit to feeling stressed most of the time, while one in nine experience stress on a daily basis.
Women in Britain feel stressed on average 11.7 days a month – noticeably more than the 8.7 days reported by men. The study also highlights that cities with significant gender pay gaps, such as Derby, Coventry and Luton, show increased levels of stress among female workers.
With work stress, burnout and mental health issues on the rise, experts are urging both employers and policymakers to tackle structural issues such as pay gaps and rising financial pressures. They also advise individuals to seek a healthier work-life balance, maintain social connections, and prioritize self-care as a way to reduce daily stress.