Partner Article

British workers lose their summer holidays

It appears that British employees struggle to leave work at the office, even when they are supposed to be enjoying themselves on holiday, according to new research by Auto Europe.

The poll by the affordable car hire broking company reveals that almost three quarters (73%) will think about their job and attached responsibilities for an average of 41 minutes per day when they are supposed to be relaxing on a getaway.

This means that for a 10-day trip with their family, employees will spend almost a working day2 (7 hours) mulling over what might be happening back at the office and fear what they might return to.

For those that can’t switch off, 43% admit to checking their emails with one in five (21%) actually reply to some, which indicates that workers just can’t detach themselves from their jobs even while on a break.

A further one in five (20%) check their voicemail to see if they have missed any important phone calls and 17% constantly keep their eyes on their phone for calls and emails to make sure none are missed.

When quizzed about why they felt it was difficult not to worry about work, more than a third (35%) of those polled feel they have to keep on top of things while they’re on holiday as there is ‘no one else that can do their job’, while 29% fear about falling behind too much because of their trip.

More than one in five (21%) claim to find it completely impossible to switch off from work altogether and like to keep tabs on what’s going on.

Some 19% daren’t break off contact with the office completely as they worry about what might happen in their absence, while 19% even fear losing their job.

Rui Alves, head of digital marketing at Auto Europe, explains: “The busy, high-pressure lives that workers lead today means that taking a long holiday to ensure a real break from work is even more important for health and well-being.

“Weekends away might be an option for some struggling for time off from work, but by not relaxing fully, workers put themselves at risk of burn out.

“Longer summer breaks are vital to recharging batteries and employees must recognise this to reflect on life as well as their careers.

“Although if they’d rather be checking in on work as opposed to be enjoying a well deserved holiday with your family or partner, it might be the wake-up call that they need to find a new role, or much needed support in the office to carry out their job.”

Just over one-sixth (17%) hope that their commitment to their job - even while they are on holiday - will show dedication and help them achieve a promotion or pay rise.

A further 7% of respondents struggle to switch of at all and call work regularly while on holiday to make sure everything is running smoothly in their absence, possibly indicating that they lack confidence in their colleagues or team’s ability to pick up the slack.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by sam bramwell .