< Return to listing

UK workers need a holiday every two months

By Holly Jones | June 1, 2011

Some workers say that they are unable to relax on holiday due to their workload
Some workers say that they are unable to relax on holiday due to their workload
A new study by the Daily Mail has revealed that British workers need a holiday every 62 days to avoid becoming burnt out.

The research showed that those not taking six holidays a year were more likely to become ill, aggressive and suffer from anxiety.

However, the study also revealed that during a two-week holiday, it takes seven percent of people a full week to relax, and four percent say that they are unable to relax throughout the entire duration of their holiday. The results also showed that men find it easier to relax on holiday than women.

Professor of organisational psychology and health at Lancaster University Cary Cooper said: “Redundancies across the country have led to a fall in numbers of workers in each organisation, but no fall in the workload. As a result, remaining staff are working longer and harder.

“Workers really should take a break every few months otherwise they will burn out, which is bad for them and their employer.

“People who fail to go on holiday are more likely to become anxious, aggressive and withdrawn. They may also develop aches and pains and struggle to sleep. Over-working depresses your immune system, making it more likely you will catch a cold or the flu.

“From the employer's view, an employee who has not been on holiday will become less productive and more prone to mistakes.”

However, some workers countered the argument for more holidays by saying that they feared an even heavier workload on their return to work in order to catch up.

Make a comment

Please log in or register to list your comment immediately.

You can still leave a comment without an account but your post will need to be approved by the site administrator before it is listed.

 Security code