Centre for Leadership in the Future of Work

Why it’s so hard to switch off on holiday – and what workers and employers can do

<p>The long-awaited, well-deserved holiday season has finally arrived for millions of employees. However, after months of non-stop work, truly unplugging can become incredibly difficult. Modern workplaces demand a state of constant mental availability. Driven by rapid technological advances, we find ourselves endlessly tied to work through group chats, social media, and e-mails, making total disconnection a challenge. This technological complexity is also <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-024-02860-6">associated with greater emotional exhaustion</a> at work and in our personal lives.</p> <p>Along with daily and weekly breaks between shifts, annual leave periods are designed to be one of the most effective tools for essential rest and recovery.</p> <p>Research consistently shows that time away from work can improve wellbeing, reduce exhaustion and support recovery. It actively lowers stress, improves sleep quality, and reduces the risk of chronic illness. The stakes are