Burnout in 2025: Why Coaching Is More Vital Than Ever
Burnout is an all too familiar word now, across the whole of our society. The 2025 Burnout Report from Mental Health UK paints a sobering picture: despite increased awareness and investment in well-being, stress and burnout remain at record highs across our workforce. But within these challenges lies a powerful opportunity - one that coaching professionals are uniquely positioned to support.
The Persistent Challenge
Let’s start with the facts. According to the report, a staggering 91% of UK adults have experienced high or extreme levels of stress in the past year. That means almost everyone is feeling the pressure. What’s more, the data reveals a growing generational divide. Young workers aged 18–24 are bearing the brunt, with 35% needing time off due to stress-related mental health issues. In contrast, 10% of workers aged 55 and over needed time off, down from 15%.
One of the most concerning findings in the report for me is the breakdown in trust between young employees and their managers. Only 56% of those aged 18-24 now feel comfortable discussing stress with their managers, a significant reduction from 75% the previous year. This lack of trust is compounded by delays in accessing NHS mental health support, with more than a quarter of young workers taking time off while waiting for treatment.
Despite a modest increase in workplaces adopting burnout prevention measures, the overall picture is clear: stress is endemic, and our current systems simply aren’t keeping up with the challenge and the needs of our workforce.
The Human Cost and the Hidden Risks
Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired. It’s a complex, multi-layered issue that affects our mental, physical, and emotional health. It erodes productivity, damages relationships, and undermines our sense of purpose and self-worth.
The report highlights another worrying trend: presenteeism. One in five workers admitted that stress was affecting their productivity, but they didn’t feel able to take time off or adjust their workload. This culture of “just keeping going” not only masks the true extent of the problem, but also accelerates the path to burnout – worse health and even lower productivity, for longer.
For business leaders, HR professionals, and anyone invested in workplace well-being, these findings must be treated as a wake-up call. We need new approaches - ones that go beyond sticky-plaster wellness initiatives and address the root causes of stress and disengagement.
A Catalyst for Change
This is where coaching comes in. As both a coach and a coachee, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be to have a safe, confidential space to explore challenges, build resilience, and develop practical strategies for managing both workload and stress. The 2025 Burnout Report underscores the urgent need for this kind of support, especially among younger workers.
So, how can coaching act as a catalyst for change? Here’s how:
Rebuilding Trust and Communication
The deterioration in trust between employees and their managers is alarming. Coaching can help bridge this gap by empowering individuals to articulate their needs, set boundaries, and develop self-advocacy skills. Through guided reflection and scenario exploration, clients can rehearse difficult conversations, explore their values, and build the confidence to speak up about stress before it becomes overwhelming.
For organisations, coaching can also serve as a training ground for managers, helping them develop empathy, active listening, and the ability to respond constructively to mental health concerns. This two-pronged approach - supporting both employees and leaders - can help rebuild the culture of trust that’s so desperately needed.
Supporting Younger Workers
The data is clear: young workers are struggling. Many are entering the workforce in a time of unprecedented uncertainty, with high expectations and limited support. Coaching offers a lifeline, providing tailored guidance that addresses the unique pressures faced by this employee group.
Whether it’s navigating career transitions, managing workload, or dealing with imposter syndrome, coaching helps young professionals develop resilience and a toolkit of coping strategies. It also provides a non-judgmental space to process emotions, set realistic goals, and celebrate progress, which are all key ingredients for long-term well-being.
Filling the Gaps Left by Delayed Healthcare
With NHS mental health services stretched thin, many people are left waiting months for support. It’s really important to be clear that coaching can’t replace clinical care for those in crisis. But it can provide timely, proactive support for those at risk of burnout. Coaches are trained to recognise when clients need to be signposted to specialist services, and in the meantime, they can offer practical tools for managing stress, prioritising self-care, and developing a future focus, supporting the individual to make changes within their control.
Driving Organisational Change
The report notes a modest increase in workplaces implementing burnout prevention measures, but there’s still a long way to go. Coaches can partner with organisations to design and deliver evidence-based interventions, from resilience workshops to leadership development programs. By embedding coaching into the fabric of workplace culture, businesses can move beyond box-ticking and create accountable environments where well-being is truly prioritised.
Practical Steps for Harnessing Coaching
So, how can coaching help turn the tide on burnout? Here are a few actionable ideas:
For individuals: Seek out a qualified coach to explore your stress triggers, clarify your values, and develop a personalised action plan. Don’t wait until you’re at breaking point: early intervention is key.
For managers: Invest in coaching skills training, so you can better support your team and recognise the early signs of burnout, acting as a role model for well-being.
For organisations: Make coaching accessible to all employees, not just senior leaders. Consider group coaching, peer support networks, and regular well-being check-ins. A true culture of well-being is developed through constant focus, not one-off projects.
For coaches: Stay informed about the latest research, and be proactive in reaching out to those most at risk, especially young professionals.
A Call to Action
The 2025 Burnout Report is a wake-up call, but it’s also an opportunity. Coaches have the tools, the training, and the empathy to make a real difference. By focusing on trust, communication, and tailored support, coaches can help individuals and organisations not just survive, but thrive.
Burnout may be a persistent challenge, but with coaching at the heart of our response, we can build a future where wellbeing is the norm, rather than the exception.
If you’re ready to take the next step, whether as an individual or an organisation, let’s start a conversation. Contact me for a free, confidential discussion on how I can help you deliver a burnout-free environment.
