Struggling at Work? Here’s the Support Many People Don’t Know About

Did you notice work felt more challenging this year? In 2023, a survey found that 55% of UK workers felt work was getting more intense and demanding. And with continued staff shortages and the advancement of technology, this is still an issue in 2025.

Despite more employers becoming sympathetic to physical and mental challenges, many employees still silently struggle at work due to fears of judgment or perceived failure.

However, asking yourself: ‘Why am I struggling at work?’ is often the first step towards finding effective and meaningful support. So, can you get help if you’re struggling at work? The answer is yes, you can!

In this blog, I’ll guide you through how to recognise the signs that you may be struggling at work, and how support like Access to Work coaching can help you to become your best self while at work.

5 Signs You May Be Struggling at Work

1. Difficulty Concentrating or Staying Focused

The world is becoming more fast-paced every year, and although that can be exciting for some people, others can find it very overwhelming, especially in the workplace.

Whether it’s digital distractions at home or physical distractions in the office, being interrupted from your flow state can have a big impact on your productivity and concentration, causing brain fog and fatigue.

2. Feeling Overwhelmed or Emotionally Drained

We can all get a bit anxious about work, such as when a big presentation is due or a new system is being implemented. However, if you’re feeling like this most days, it’s a clear sign that you’re struggling.

If you’re experiencing burnout every week, it’s no surprise you dread work every Sunday evening, and that can take a serious toll on your mental health, creating a cycle of exhaustion and anxiety.

3. Physical or Sensory Challenges

If you’re living with a physical condition or if you’re neurodiverse, the workplace can quickly become an environment of discomfort and sensory overload.

However, many people in these groups may feel pressure to hide their condition instead of seeking help. This could be due to fears of prejudice or wanting to “fit in” with everyone else.

4. Struggling with Communication

Similarly, it can be really challenging to speak up about your struggles or conditions; whether you can’t find the right words to explain your needs, you’re scared of a misunderstanding, or you find it difficult speaking to people in general.

But without this, the challenges will most likely continue to grow and affect your performance at work.

5. Working Harder But Feeling Less Effective

As a result of all the above, those who are struggling at work tend to work longer hours trying to make up for lost time or often in fear of being “found out” as a bad employee.

This can significantly reduce a person’s confidence at work and, more often than not, lead to mistakes and inefficiencies which could be avoided when the signs are recognised early and with the right support.

What Does Access to Work Mean?

If you recognised some or all of the above signs during your time at work in 2025, then it may be time to consider the benefits of the Access to Work scheme. But what does this mean?

Access to Work is a UK Government support programme that provides practical and financial aid to help those with a disability or physical or mental health condition stay in or start employment.

The support available isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach; it can be tailored to your specific needs and requirements to ensure you don’t struggle at work. This could be:

• Workplace adjustments
• Assistive technology
• Coaching and mental health support

An Access to Work coach will be there to help you every step of the way through work-based strategy coaching. Let’s take a closer look at how Access to Work coaching can support you when you’re struggling at work.

What Is Access to Work Coaching & How Can It Help?

Whether you’re employed, self-employed, or a new starter, 2025 could be the year you access an Access to Work coach if you have a long-term physical or mental condition or are neurodiverse.

Coaches and therapists are often confused as one in the same; however, they’re very different. Whereas therapy often focuses on understanding past experiences and mental health, coaching is future-focused and goal-oriented; in the case of an Access to Work coach, professional goals.

My Access to Work coaching helps you to grow your skills and confidence in the workplace through prioritising your physical and mental health. As a result, this foundation of lasting change will improve your work performance, job satisfaction, and overall health and wellbeing.

My Access to Work coaching service has proven results in:

• Practical strategies for work challenges
• Improved confidence and self-advocacy
• Better communication with managers and colleagues
• Reduced stress and overwhelm
• Sustainable ways of working

A Client’s Experience of Access to Work Coaching

I’ve seen first-hand the benefits of utilising Access to Work coaching with my own clients. But don’t take my word for it, let’s hear more from Julian Westcott, a Finance Director at the NHS, about his experience:

“I’m so pleased I chose Kate as my Access to Work coach. I felt at ease instantly with her, and she made making changes feel easy and enjoyable. My physical and mental health improved significantly as a direct result of our sessions together.”

How to Apply for Access to Work Coaching

So, we now know that you can get help if you’re struggling at work through the Access to Work scheme. As this is a UK Government grant, you need to apply to receive the support. 

Here’s an easy checklist on how to apply.

1. Check Eligibility:

There’s a list of criteria to be eligible for the Access to Work grant, such as being 16 or over and having a long-term mental or physical condition. You can check your eligibility on the UK Government portal.

2. Apply:

This can be done online or by phone via the GOV.UK website, just make sure you have all the relevant information on hand, e.g. contact details and workplace address.

3. Explanation:

During your application, you’ll need to explain how your condition affects you and your work, as well as what support you think you need and will benefit from.

4. Assessment & Recommendation:

After your application has been reviewed, someone from Access to Work will contact you to discuss your needs further. This may involve an assessment of your workplace to see how you would benefit.

5. Choose an Access to Work Coach:

Once your application has been approved and if you’ve chosen to have an Access to Work coach, then the final step is to pick a coach. My top tip is to pick someone you get along with and who genuinely understands your unique needs.

Get in Touch Today

Remember, you don’t have to wait for things to get unmanageable to find the right help and support. Access to Work coaching exists to make work easier and more enjoyable; it’s often a proactive and empowering choice to start this journey.

I’ve been supporting employees to excel at work through personalised coaching for many years, and in that time, I’ve seen people face their challenges head-on so they can thrive and no longer struggle at work.

Let’s make 2026 the year where work feels easier! Get in touch to find out more about how I can support you as an Access to Work coach at kate@katemountain.co.uk or book a FREE consultation.