The Secrets from a Coach podcast has published the results of its first Wellbeing at Work Survey for 2025.
It explores how UK managers are approaching workplace wellness, leadership and the rise of Artificial Intelligence. The study, led by hosts Debbie Green and Laura Thomson-Staveley, highlights both progress and persistent challenges in supporting teams.
The data shows that 73% of managers go outside daily to care for their wellbeing, while 58% exercise or ensure they eat regularly, and 57% prioritise connecting with others.
Good sleep routines are followed by 45%, though only 40% use mindfulness practices, suggesting that many leaders still lack a comprehensive wellbeing strategy.
Heavy workloads (58%), time pressures (53%) and lack of support from senior leadership (30%) were named as the biggest obstacles stopping managers from supporting their teams effectively.
Team culture was also highlighted, with pessimism (23%), disengagement with company vision (22%) and weak professional relationships (22%) ranking as the top barriers to collaboration.
Encouragingly, 93% of managers reported strong confidence in holding mental health conversations with their teams, scoring seven or higher out of ten. This represents a major cultural shift, showing that mental health support is now a routine part of management.
AI received a mixed but measured response, averaging 6 out of 10. Roughly 38% of managers expressed optimism, 33% were cautious, and 27% sceptical, with few taking middle ground positions.
The results suggest managers are weighing both risks and opportunities carefully, rather than reacting emotionally.
Looking ahead, UK managers rated their personal career outlook at 7 out of 10, with 63% showing high optimism. Confidence in their organisations was even stronger, with 45% rating future success at 8 or 9.
Professional development varied widely, with half of respondents spending only 1-3 hours monthly on learning, while 27% dedicate 1-3 days.
Debbie Green said the findings “paint a picture of leaders who are genuinely trying to do the right thing for their teams and themselves, but who are facing systemic challenges.”
Laura Thomson-Staveley added that the AI results suggest “leaders are still figuring out how AI will reshape their roles and career paths.”
The full findings will be explored on upcoming episodes of Secrets from a Coach, available on Spotify, Apple and Buzzsprout.
