25-05-2025
Two in three Irish feel dread when returning from annual leave
Almost two-thirds of Irish professionals feel anxious returning to work after annual leave, new research reveals.
And this anxiety is not only dampening the relaxing benefits of a break, but also undermining workplace productivity, according to a new survey of Irish trends by leading international HR specialists Robert Walters.
The report found that 65% of Irish employees dread returning to the workplace after their annual leave. In Britain, the figure is even higher at 80%. Over two-thirds of Irish people dread returning to work after a holiday. Pic: Getty Images
A major driver of growing anxiety for Irish workers is the workload that piles up while professionals are on leave.
More than half (53%) of employees surveyed said they check emails while they are on holiday to reduce the backlog for when they return to work. And almost one in four (39%) said they check emails to deal with urgent matters.
Fewer than one in five (17%) of those surveyed said they feel truly refreshed and ready to work after annual leave. The return to work can often trigger anxieties. Pic: Getty Images
Commenting on the findings, Suzanne Feeney, country manager at Robert Walters Dublin, told 'The return to work often triggers anxieties, from missing major updates to being handed heavier workloads. Annual leave should be a time to reset, not a cause for more stress.'
Ms Feeney said the research suggests the growing number of professionals suffering from annual leave anxiety 'could have major implications for productivity rates in workplaces across Ireland'.
She added: 'Apps such as Slack and MS Teams put work right at our fingertips 24/7. While useful, they can result in professionals feeling obliged to 'check in' during their time off.' The availability of apps like Microsoft Teams and Slack makes it harder for workers to turn off. Pic: Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images
In many cases, this constant connection to work is resulting in burnout as professionals find it increasingly difficult to fully disengage from their jobs.
While the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has issued a code of practice outlining the 'right to disconnect', it remains a guideline rather than a legally enforceable right.
Coined from the rise in annual leave dread, FOFB or Fear of Falling Behind, is becoming increasingly prevalent. More than two-thirds (68%) of Irish professionals said they would find it easier to relax if their teams were also off, pointing to a culture of constant comparison and competitiveness. A major driver of growing anxiety for Irish workers is the workload that piles up while professionals are on leave. Pic: Getty Images
This is also reflected in a 2023 FRS Recruitment survey that found 42% of Irish employees did not use their full holiday entitlements, often due to guilt or fear of being seen as less committed.
In some European countries, such as France and Spain, businesses frequently adopt 'summer shutdowns' during July and August. These closures aim to give staff a proper break.
Asked about adopting a similar approach here, 42% of Irish professionals expressed an interest in fixed leave periods, but almost half (48%) worried it could limit flexibility. Six in 10 employers also said such a strategy would be too disruptive.
Ms Feeney noted that, while summer shutdowns may help teams to disconnect together, 'business operations rarely halt just because staff are on holiday. It's more important that organisations foster a culture that respects the right to switch off'.
But the HR expert warned that the research highlights a pressing need for businesses to reassess how they approach annual leave.
She told 'There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for holiday policies. Instead, strategies should be customised to reflect workforce diversity and to prioritise employee wellbeing, engagement and performance.'
Reporting by Kate Lynch
