In today’s hyper-connected world, maintaining a work-life balance has become more challenging than ever. A recent survey indicates that 64% of Brits experience work-related anxiety during holidays, impacting their ability to relax.
- 84% of Brits think about work twice daily on days off, highlighting constant connectivity’s role in work-life balance struggles.
- 55% of people check work emails during holidays, impacting relaxation despite breaks being meant for unwinding.
- A sense of obligation to respond to work matters while on holiday affects 20% of Brits, revealing managerial expectations.
- Experts recommend strategies like setting boundaries and engaging in hobbies to alleviate work-related anxiety.
The modern landscape of work is increasingly defined by a lack of separation between professional duties and personal life. A survey by Naturecan, carried out via OnePoll among 1,250 employed UK adults, reveals a concerning trend where 64% of respondents report work-related anxiety impacting their holidays, suggesting a pervasive inability to disconnect.
Even during supposed downtime, 84% of individuals admit to frequently thinking about work, often at least twice a day, according to the survey. Counsellor Georgina Sturmer points out the challenge of maintaining boundaries in a digitally connected world, making it difficult for people to unwind even outside work hours.
In what should be a period of relaxation, more than half check work emails or messages during holidays, with 55% admitting this behaviour. This constant connectivity feeds into the anxiety that 64% report experiencing, undermining the very purpose of their time off.
Adding to this stress is a reported expectation from managerial levels, with 20% of respondents feeling an unspoken pressure to be available for work-related matters while on holiday. This expectation further blurs the lines between work responsibilities and personal time.
Struggling to disconnect after work is not uncommon, with 7 in 10 employed Brits indicating they cannot switch off outside work hours. The inability to disconnect is compounded by frequent checking of work communications by 55% of adults at least weekly, and 17% even daily.
The wider implications of this constant connectivity extend beyond mental fatigue, according to counsellor Joanna Buckland, affecting participation in post-work activities that are vital for stress relief and well-being.
Experts suggest implementing specific strategies to combat these trends. Creating an ‘end of work’ ritual is advised, such as powering down devices or engaging in a non-work-related activity to signal a transition. Engaging in hobbies and physical exercise can also activate ‘happy chemicals’ in the brain, countering stress and improving mood.
Furthermore, setting clear boundaries before taking holidays, as advised by Niloufar Esmaeilpour, is crucial. Notifying colleagues and clients in advance can aid in preserving the sanctity of personal time, allowing individuals to fully detach from work concerns.
Ultimately, acknowledging and addressing these issues is increasingly important as summer holidays approach, urging individuals and employers to reassess work habits that contribute to burnout.
The challenge of maintaining a work-life balance necessitates strategic changes to reduce work-related anxiety, especially during holidays.
