Taking leave from work can present difficulties for some employees.

This is especially evidenced in environments that are understaffed, complex or where there’s significant pressure and stress cascading down from ‘above’.

In fact, 35-50% of employees find themselves with several days of annual holiday remaining each year; they’re too busy to book them, are under pressure from management, have to cope with staff shortages, or can’t afford the time or money to take a break.

A recent report found that during 2023 and 2024 between 35-61% employees didn’t use all their annual leave, with approximately 17% having 5 or more unclaimed days in 2024, and of those that took leave, 54% expected to work during their time off.

Some people find that returning to work after a period away is an unsettling time. It may be a struggle to get out of bed, they may lack motivation, awaken feeling groggy and unrefreshed.

Then there are those who are glad, even relieved to return to the structure that work brings to their lives; they have a reason to get up each day, a clear role, a sense of purpose, especially important if home life is stressful, unsatisfying or lonely.

Recent research has found that 40% of employees report difficulty in feeling motivated and engaged after their holiday, with 25% saying they seriously consider a career change.

Time away from work presents the greatest risk of staff disengagement or departure, known as the post-vacation turnover effect.

For many, the busy working week offers little opportunity to ponder their life’s direction after they’ve found time to fit in shopping, chores, family responsibilities and friends. But away from alarm clocks and zoom calls there can space to pause, reflect on ‘what ifs’ and consider what other options might be available for them.

One in five people work at least 7 hours a week of unpaid overtime, whilst 45 million days of work have been lost in the last 3 years due to stress.

81% of the employees surveyed in 2024 reported feeling more burn out, exhaustion and poor mental health as a consequence of being unable to take their holidays. Justifications for forgoing holidays and continuing to work have been proven to be counter-productive and a major contributor to burnout and mental health related issues.

Holidays and extended breaks provide space away from the regular routine of work, giving time to reflect on their life’s direction. A long summer holiday, family Christmas or extended Bank Holiday break can be a time to reflect and introduce a ‘what is it all about’ mindset, questioning ‘is this it, the path ahead for the rest of my life?’

Extended breaks from work result in people having the opportunity to view their lives rather differently than before, as they perhaps witness other cultures, engage in unexpected conversations, see alternative ways of living a fulfilling life.

Stepping back from the daily demands and routines of working life provides space to question how they live their lives, offering the chance to revisit priorities and review their quality of life.

No surprise then that there can be a reluctance when it’s time to rejoin the fray. Hesitancy can be about more than getting up early, dressing in work clothes, facing the rush hour commute and undertaking tasks that may not be especially inspirational.

During their time away they may have reflected on their relationships, their daily life balance and their motivation, questioning if they’re working hard, pushing for promotions and bonuses to buy things and maintain a lifestyle they don’t really want, need or aspire to any longer.

Over time, and noticeably since lockdown, many people have found greater pleasure from life’s simple pleasures; time spent with family and friends, enjoying walks in nature, pursuing hobbies and interests, finding these things more fulfilling than spending long hours at work, having difficulty leaving work or fitting in their annual leave.

Some people gradually transition into introducing satisfying new activities into their lives. They may enrol to learn new skills or acquire qualifications, volunteer, set up a small or part-time business, apply for an allotment, all to find ways that add value to their lives.

Serious reorganisation and delegation of responsibilities may be required at home, but such changes often deliver a ripple effect to everyone’s lives, prompting family and friends to reflect on their own life situations too.

Family and friends may have to adapt to new routines, as they start to see you in a different light and rethink their own decisions and choices.

And even if nothing ultimately changes, the outcome has been an important nudge to the status quo, as well as a time for gratitude, increased awareness and appreciation of what we have in our lives.

Susan Leigh, Lifestyle Therapy

Susan Leigh MNCH (ACC)

South Manchester counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor, writer and media contributor offers help with relationship issues, stress management, assertiveness and confidence. She works with individual clients, couples and provides corporate workshops and support.

She’s author of 3 books, ‘Dealing with Stress, Managing its Impact’, ‘101 Days of Inspiration #tipoftheday’ and ‘Dealing with Death, Coping with the Pain’, all on Amazon and with easy to read sections, tips and ideas to help you feel more positive about your life.

To order a copy or for more information, articles, or to make contact please call 0161 928 7880 or visit www.lifestyletherapy.net