Health - Holiday Stress for UK Workers

Holiday Stress for UK Workers

Do you ever find it difficult to switch off when you’re on holiday? Do you worry about the workload that’s building up in your absence? Do you get anxious when you contemplate the pile of paperwork that will be waiting on your return? If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone - according to a recent survey.

A recent survey of 660 office employees by leading recruitment firm Office Angels indicated UK workers find it difficult to leave work behind whilst on holiday. Indeed more than 50% start getting anxious about their workload even before they take their well-earned break.

Apparently a 1 week break only gives about 3 days of relaxation benefit to the average worker – they spend the other 4 days fretting about their work commitments. 75% of those polled admitted they kept their mobile phones switched on throughout their holiday, keeping themselves available for work-related calls when they should be having fun. (It seems most calls relate to relatively trivial matters such as locating client files or completing forms).

In a previous survey by Office Angels, 60% of respondents admitted to having their holidays interrupted by work matters and most spent at least one hour a day thinking about work. Worse still, work-related issues were the prime cause of holiday arguments according to 50% of those polled. The recent survey suggests nothing has changed – indeed 1 in 7 even said they were relieved to return to work.

So what can you do to make sure you enjoy your holiday rather than spend your time dwelling on work? A spokesman for Office Angels recommends preparation in advance: “To make the most of your break, think of it as a meeting - the better prepared you are, the better the outcome.”

Allow plenty of time to brief fellow workers about any outstanding work or deadlines that may arise whilst you’re away, doing all possible to minimize the need for contact.
A holiday should be for recharging your batteries and relaxing away from the work environment. By planning your time and making sure your workmates are up to speed before you leave, you’ll increase your chances of a successful break. And return to the office feeling positive and refreshed.

www.businessinberkshire.co.uk/health

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[ Holiday Stress for UK Workers ]

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