Brits Would Rather Burn Out Than Ask for Help at Home, New Research Reveals  

• According to new YouGov research commissioned by Wecasa, over two-thirds (77%) say they feel some form of guilt when they do seek support with household tasks
• While 43% of respondents describe their home as a sanctuary, one in ten (10%) say their home feels like a burden
• In the UK these feelings seem to be driven more strongly by women as 56% of women report feeling guilty asking for help, compared to 40% of men
• Data suggests that those living alone may be more likely to view their home as a personal retreat, while shared responsibilities in relationships can sometimes shift the dynamic

Today, Wecasa, the at-home mobile cleaning, wellness, beauty and home services app, unveils the results of a new survey that reveals that millions of Brits are silently struggling with household responsibilities, choosing to cope alone rather than ask for help. This is not because they don’t need support, but because of ingrained emotional barriers such as guilt, pride, and stigma.

According to new YouGov research commissioned by Wecasa, nearly a quarter (24%) of Brits admit they never ask for help with household tasks, despite growing pressures from modern life. Even more strikingly, over two-thirds (77%) say they feel some form of guilt when they do seek support (24% never ask for help, 23% feel somewhat guilty, 10% feel very guilty, 20% feel almost no guilt). Only 23% say they feel absolutely no guilt, highlighting a cultural mindset that still equates asking for help with laziness or indulgence.

The emotional cost of “doing it all”

While 43% of respondents describe their home as a sanctuary, for others it tells a very different story. One in ten (10%) say their home feels like a burden due to a constant reminder of chores and responsibilities that never seem to end. In the UK these feelings seem to be driven more strongly by women as 56% of women report feeling guilty asking for help, compared to 40% of men.

This divide suggests that while the idea of the home as a place of calm persists, the reality for many is one of overwhelm, particularly as people juggle careers, family life, and personal wellbeing. 

Pride, pressure, and perception

The findings point to a lingering perception in British culture that outsourcing household tasks is a luxury rather than a legitimate form of support. Many respondents indicated that pride and societal expectations prevent them from seeking help, even when they are struggling.

Interestingly, perceptions of the home as a sanctuary varied by relationship status. Among those who see their home as a place of comfort:

• 58% are married or divorced
• 48% have never married
• 36% are in a marriage or civil partnership

This suggests that those living alone may be more likely to view their home as a personal retreat, while shared responsibilities in relationships can sometimes shift the dynamic.

Reframing help as a wellbeing essential

Wecasa is calling for a shift in how we view household help changing it from an indulgence to an essential part of maintaining mental health and wellbeing.

With burnout, mental load, and the “juggle” of daily life becoming increasingly common, the company argues that outsourcing tasks like cleaning should be seen in the same light as other forms of self-care.

Pierre André, co-founder of Wecasa says: “Brits aren’t avoiding help because they don’t need it, they’re avoiding it because they feel they shouldn’t. There’s a deeply rooted belief that we should be able to manage everything ourselves, but that mindset is contributing to stress and burnout. Taking care of your home shouldn’t come at the expense of your wellbeing instead asking for help isn’t a failure, it’s a positive step towards creating a healthier, more balanced life.”

From guilt to growth

As conversations around mental health continue to evolve, Wecasa hopes to challenge outdated attitudes and encourage people to reconsider what it means to “cope”. By normalising support at home, the brand believes Brits can reclaim their time, reduce stress, and transform their living spaces back into the sanctuaries they’re meant to be.

Wecasa is your go-to online booking platform for mobile at-home cleaning, wellness, beauty and home services, available seven days a week. Visit www.wecasa.co.uk for further information and to book.

Survey notes

• Research conducted by YouGov on behalf of Wecasa UK
• Survey size: 2160 UK adults (18+)
• Fieldwork conducted: from March 20th-24th, 2026

About Wecasa     

Wecasa is your go-to online booking platform for mobile at-home cleaning, wellness, beauty and home services, seven days a week. Our mission is to help our clients find time for themselves and for each other by offering easy, quick and high quality services. We offer home-based services with easy access to cleaning, ironing, massages, facials and many more wellness treatments. Whenever and wherever you want, you get to decide as Wecasa comes to you. Visit www.wecasa.co.uk to book your appointment now.