Sackload of work looms for British workers after Christmas

The festive season may be upon us, but new research shows that whilst almost 70% of the UK workforce take holiday over Christmas, those who take time off may not feel so merry on their return. According to research released today by Manpower, the UKís leading workforce management company, two thirds (66%) of British workers surveyed worry about how much work they will come back to when the festivities are over.

A Manpower spokesperson says: Switching off at Christmas is becoming very hard for many people. Those who do take holiday may dread returning to work, due to the increased workload they have to tackle. Unfortunately, this can counteract much of the benefit that might be gained from the holiday in the first place.

It seems that Santa wonít be the only one working hard over Christmas, as the research also reveals that 64% of those surveyed intend to take work home with them over the festive period.

Adds the spokesperson: Christmas can be a stressful time as it is and people may find it even harder to relax if their minds are on work. If possible, you should try not to take work home with you and resist the temptation to check work emails. The Christmas break should provide workers with a well earned rest, giving people chance to unwind and relax and return to work refreshed in the New Year.

Manpower suggests the following tips to help you relax over Christmas:

Clear your desk and do your filing before you go - the last thing you need is to return to mountains of paperwork. Let colleagues, clients and other contacts know the dates you will be away. If you have them, alter your voicemail and out of office messages to let people know what date you return. Ask a colleague to check for urgent answerphone or email messages - just make sure you return the favour when they go away! Try to complete any ongoing projects before you go - that way you donít have to worry about them. Donít schedule any meetings for the day you return - undoubtedly you will have enough to catch up on without adding extra pressures.