In today’s hyper-connected society, the boundary between work and personal life is dissolving. Many individuals find it challenging to disconnect from work, even during vacations.
- A survey by Naturecan highlights that 84% of Brits think about work during their days off, at least twice daily.
- About 64% experience work-related anxiety during vacations, affecting their relaxation and enjoyment.
- A significant portion of the workforce feels an unspoken obligation to be available for work matters, even during holidays.
- Experts offer strategies to help individuals effectively disconnect from work while on leave.
In the contemporary working environment, the once clear line separating professional duties from personal time has become increasingly blurred. This trend is particularly evident in the United Kingdom, where the lack of strict regulations around the “right to disconnect” persists, despite political discussions led by the Labour Party. Notably, a recent survey by Naturecan captures this shift, revealing that 84% of employed UK adults report contemplating work-related issues at least twice daily, even during periods meant for leisure.
Significantly, the study further unpacks the anxiety experienced by 64% of Brits, who admit that their holidays are negatively impacted by lingering work stress. This anxiety isn’t merely perceived; it manifests as a substantial barrier to relaxation, as over half of the survey participants confess to checking work emails or messages at least once during a weeklong vacation.
Moreover, this phenomenon extends beyond individual apprehensions. Around 20% of respondents describe feeling a managerial pressure to remain accessible for work purposes, a sentiment that underscores a pervasive cultural expectation of constant availability.
To address these challenges, experts like Georgina Sturmer and Joanna Buckland offer tangible advice. Sturmer suggests implementing an “end of work” ritual, which might include simple acts like turning off work devices or changing clothes after work hours, to reinforce personal time. Buckland recommends organizing thoughts into short, actionable tasks as a strategy to mitigate constant mental reminders and stresses.
On the physical well-being front, engaging in hobbies and regular exercise is advocated as an antidote to stress, thanks to the natural release of “happy chemicals” that improve mood and reduce anxiety. Experts also emphasize the importance of communication, advising individuals to preemptively inform work contacts of their unavailability during vacations to set clear boundaries and protect personal time.
The pervasive presence of work stress signifies a need for improved work-life boundaries, prompting individuals and organizations to act.
