Research from Totaljobs reveals a growing struggle among Brits to switch off from work, even while on holiday. Nearly three in five (59 per cent) admit to logging on and working on holiday, with one in five (20 per cent) going as far as bringing their work laptop away with them.
The research, which surveyed 2,000 adults in the UK, revealed that 19 per cent of Brits also actively encourage colleagues or clients to contact them while they’re away, while 17 per cent leave work notifications on on their personal phones.
These behaviours point to a growing “leavism” culture in workplaces, where annual leave is no longer a protected time for rest, but an extension of the working week.
The research reveals that over half of Brits (53 per cent) – amounting to almost 30 million – check their work emails while on annual leave, and spend almost 1.5 hours a week on average doing so. This is followed by 44 per cent checking their work-related messaging on platforms like Slack and Teams, turning what should be downtime into desk time.
The leading motivation for working during time off is the inability to switch off, with 17 per cent admitting they find it hard to disconnect from their job. Meanwhile, 15 per cent say they work on holiday because it helps them stay on top of their targets, while just over one in ten (11 per cent) report feeling obligated to work by their employer, highlighting unrealistic expectations in the workplace.
Other motivations include:
- Being worried about losing a client (10 per cent)
- Feeling guilty about being offline (10 per cent)
- Not having enough resource to pick up their work while their away (10 per cent)
- To help get a promotion (10 per cent)
The pressure to stay online is also influencing career decisions. Almost 5.5 million Brits (10 per cent) have quit a role in the past due to the pressure of having to work during their annual leave, while a further almost 3.4 million2 (6 per cent) say they are planning to do so. This growing dissatisfaction highlights how blurred boundaries between work and rest are not just affecting wellbeing – they’re actively driving people to walk away from roles.
As a result, over a third (37 per cent) of Brits say they prioritise employers who respect annual leave when job hunting, and almost a quarter (21 per cent) avoid roles with vague annual leave policies.
“The ability to disconnect from work is essential for maintaining a healthy, productive workforce,” noted Nicola Weatherhead, Vice President of People at Totaljobs, “Yet our research shows that many employees feel unable to switch off during their holidays. Whether it’s due to internal pressure, unrealistic employer expectations, or a fear of falling behind, this ‘always on’ culture is taking a toll.
“Businesses have a responsibility to create environments where rest is respected and encouraged,” Weatherhead added. “This isn’t just about wellbeing, it’s a strategic move to attract and retain quality talent. Including clear, visible annual leave policies in job ads, and fostering a culture that supports time off signals to candidates that their time is valued. When employees feel confident taking the rest they need, it builds trust and loyalty, driving long-term success.”
