One in Five Workers would rather be in the Office than Take Annual Leave

Posted on 30 March, 2012 by MOVEHUT

Around 25 per cent of all British full-time workers are missing out on their holiday entitlement as they fear what kind of work load will be waiting for them when they return from time off.

The research, conducted by TravelSupermarket, found that only 1500 out of the 2000 adults surveyed actually take their full holiday entitlement, but almost 120 people have seven or more days left to take. However, of those who did take their full holiday allowance, 300 people felt more anxious about returning to their commercial property than they did before they went away.

However, of those people that do take a break from their commercial property, around 13 per cent still take phone calls and check and respond to emails – so they never actually switch off from the office.

Speaking of the findings, Bob Atkinson from TravelSupermarket said, “As hard as it may be, switching off your phone while you’re away will not only make your holiday more enjoyable, it will make your companion or family’s trip even better.

“There’s nothing worse than holidaying with someone who is continually taking calls or responding to emails.”

However, for those who feel anxious or guilty about taking their holiday entitlement; don’t be! As Michael Gentle, a spokesman on behalf of Monster, highlights, taking annual leave benefits both you and your employer: “Taking your full annual leave allocation is a win-win situation for employers as well as employees as it ensures staff are fully rested and as productive as possible when they return.

“Not only that, but by contract and by law you’re entitled to a certain amount of annual leave, so make sure you take it.”

However, even trying to book a holiday can be quite stressful in itself with trying to organise time off, holiday costs plus much more. Around 46 per cent worry about synchronising their time off from the office with their partners, and 34 per cent worry about how much the actual holiday cost. However, on top of those worries, 20 per cent fretted about what implications their time off would have on their employers.

“If you know there is a time of year when lots of other people in the office will want to go on holiday, get in there early, or plan an alternative time,” Michael added.


But as Bob says, planning is the key: “Be organised well in advance, this will help you to book, and keep, your holiday allocation.

“If you’re planning a summer getaway, now really is the time to start looking into flights and accommodation to not only make sure you bag the best bargain but also to have something to look forward to.”

Have you booked a holiday for this year? Do you worry about work whilst you are away, or can you simply leave the office behind? I know which one I do!




2 responses to “One in Five Workers would rather be in the Office than Take Annual Leave”

  1. Scott Lee says:

    Hi I am Scott Lee, an analyst, consultant, speaker, strategist and writer on topics related to digital content technology.
    Interesting post!

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