Workplace wellbeing is becoming a critical pressure point for employers across Scotland, with research showing that businesses are struggling to keep pace with rising employee expectations.

According to EGYM Hussle, nearly seven in ten Scottish businesses (69%) report an increase in stress, burnout or absenteeism among employees over the past year. At the same time, over nine in ten employers (96%) believe wellbeing benefits, such as subsidised fitness access, would boost productivity.

Yet many employers face significant obstacles in turning intent into action. Cost remains the biggest barrier, cited by 31% of Scottish business decision-makers, while a further 17% say a lack of time or internal resources is preventing them from introducing wellbeing initiatives.

Hybrid working models add another layer of complexity. Nearly two-thirds of Scottish employers (65%) say they find it difficult to offer benefits that work equally for in-office, remote and hybrid staff, reflecting the challenge of supporting diverse working patterns.

The pressures are particularly visible across Scotland’s major cities. In Glasgow, 42% of employers cite cost as the biggest barrier to offering wellbeing benefits, compared with 24% in Edinburgh. Meanwhile, Edinburgh businesses report greater difficulty tailoring benefits for a hybrid workforce, with 76% struggling to ensure wellbeing benefits work equally for all staff, compared with 58% of businesses in Glasgow.

Stress levels are also rising across both cities, with 69% of Edinburgh businesses and 63% of Glasgow employers reporting an increase in stress, burnout or absenteeism over the past year. Despite these challenges, over 95% of businesses in both cities recognise that wellbeing benefits improve productivity.

These findings mirror broader pressures across the UK. Nationally, 82% of employers feel increasing pressure to enhance their wellbeing and benefits offering, yet 19% report lacking the resources to meet expectations. Smaller businesses are particularly affected: 42% of small businesses (1–49 employees) cite cost as a hurdle, compared with 28% of medium-sized (50–249 employees) and just 17% of large companies (250+ employees), highlighting a growing divide between SMEs and larger employers.

However, the strains of workplace wellbeing aren’t just being felt by employers. Nearly eight in ten businesses across the UK report higher levels of stress and burnout among employees over the past year, a pattern that has led to more than 80% seeking new wellbeing solutions in 2026.

“Employers are under increasing pressure to support employee wellbeing, but many struggle to provide benefits that actually fit modern working patterns,” comments Pauline Alonso, Sales Director at EGYM Hussle. “Flexible, accessible solutions, from mental health support to on-demand fitness, can help teams stay healthy and engaged, without adding extra strain on resources.”

Neil Harmsworth, Co-Founder and COO at Hussle, adds: “The research clearly shows wellbeing is now a competitive issue. Leaders know it drives productivity and retention, but many are blocked by cost and by benefits that don’t work for hybrid teams. Employers need flexible, accessible support that people can use in real life, not just on paper.”