Half of UK workers spending their holidays on the job

Nick Elvin

UK workers will devote a total of 3.2 million days of their holidays to work activities, according to new research.

The study, carried out for Kwik Fit Mobile, has revealed that 46% of those working full or part time spent some of their holidays last year carrying out tasks such as checking emails, making work phone calls or writing and reading documents. Each of these holidaymakers spent an average of five hours and 24 minutes on work-related activities.

The research also found that work has an impact on where 25% of UK workers go on holiday, with 15% saying they need a good wi-fi or internet service while they’re away; 11% need a good mobile signal; and 4% will only stay in hotels with good business facilities. Three per cent say they will only stay near an airport when travelling abroad, while the same proportion say they will only holiday in the UK in case they have to get back to their place of work quickly.

Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, said: “This research shows that many people find it hard to leave work behind when they head off on holiday. With today’s technology, staying connected is getting ever easier and it can be a real benefit, as long as it doesn’t stop people enjoying their valuable time away.” 

Meanwhile, another survey, carried out by Travel Republic, also indicates how British workers cannot fully relax while they are away, with 52% of respondents saying they check emails on holiday.

Younger employees appear to be the most conscientious, with 38% of them claiming to read and respond to emails, compared to 29% of people aged 45-54. However, 45% of office workers aged 35-44, said they never check their emails. Reading work emails on holiday appears to have an impact on relationships, with 36% of couples saying they had fallen out over it.

Elliott Prichard, chief marketing officer at Travel Republic said: “We initially wanted to understand the emotions people experience when preparing to leave the office for annual leave, and the biggest emotion is ‘relief’ (46%). As workplaces become busier, annual leave becomes more of a luxury, but the reality is that many office workers cannot completely turn off.”