A pressure-filled summer is causing half of UK employees to experience chronic workplace stress, or 'burnout', according to the second Wellbeing Index Report.

The report, from Westfield Health, highlights a sharp increase in worrying statistics including the rise of 'leavism', in which employees work outside of contracted hours or whilst on annual leave, as reported by Open Access Government.

More than one in 10 employees admit to responding to calls and emails whilst on holiday, 36 per cent believe their boss expects them to be on standby during annual leave and 17 per cent of holiday time is spent worrying about work.

The vicious circle of stress and anxiety in the run-up, during a summer holiday and after the return to work is leaving employees no time for vital recovery.

Almost half (48 per cent) of employees say they are suffering, with the under 34s identified as the group most at risk. Employees have taken an average of four days off for stress, anxiety or depression.

Over a third (37 per cent) of HR professionals surveyed say their workplaces don't do enough to prepare for staff holidays and the inevitable decrease in staff in the office over the summer months.

For employees, increased workloads when colleagues are on holiday combined with busy summer social schedules mean personal wellbeing is suffering. Nearly a quarter (23 per cent) describe their mental health as 'poor'.

Only 36 per cent of employees had been physically active in the last three months. The biggest concern for employees was money (37 per cent), followed by lack of sleep (34 per cent). Physical ill-health and mental health were also big concerns.

The stresses are even higher for working parents, who have the added pressure of childcare over the summer holiday. An overwhelming 70 per cent of working parents say they experience stress before or during the summer break.

What do you think? Is the summer a particularly stressful time at work? Email mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk