More than 8 in 10 workers worry about work whilst on holiday

Workers feel they simply cannot afford to switch off

A recent survey of 1,825 workers from various industries across the United Kingdom by Peninsula BusinessWise reveals that:

A shocking 86% of workers worry about work whilst on holiday
Incredibly 67% of workers fear for their job whilst on vacation

Peter Done, Managing Director of Peninsula BusinessWise provides quote and comment:

The survey highlights the growing problem and office culture of over-working which is present in UK society. Employees feel too busy to give themselves a break, and those that do find it difficult to relax through worry and stress when they are away from the office.

It is not uncommon for bosses to place undue pressure on their staff regarding holidays; this can range from assigning large quantities of work to individual employees; to reducing non contractual bonuses; and not considering specific individuals for internal promotions and opportunities that may arise. However it is clear that workers themselves are too busy and simply cannot afford to take the breaks that they are entitled to because their workload is so tremendously high and the working week is so long; and even when they are away from the office they feel unable to switch off.

The numerous benefits that employers gain by giving their staff time off are invaluable. As all managers know a highly motivated and happy employ, is an employee who works harder and puts more effort in. Therefore the benefits are reaped by the employer through the increased levels of productivity, and consequently profits. However, if employees are unable to relax whilst on holiday these positive effects are compromised and are thus negligible. Also if bosses are placing undue pressure on their staff, then the potential for future Tribunal cases is higher.

There is no honest reason as to why workers should fear for their job whilst on holiday, if bosses are taking action whilst the individual(s) concerned are away from the office they may well be inciting damaging litigation cases. But it just shows how concerned and worried employees can get. Bosses also need to allow their workers to take all of their holiday entitlement as allocated by law, otherwise they will again be walking an employment law tightrope, from which it is only a matter of time until they fall.