More than two-thirds (68%) of respondents worked late the day before their holiday began, and almost one in five (18%) said they return to work more stressed than when they left.
The poll found that 61% of workers feel obligated to work while on holiday, 64% read and send emails and 8% go into their workplace during their time off.
At the end of the year more than half (54%) of employees have holiday entitlement left, and 42% of managers have needed to encourage their staff to take a break in the past.
Charles Elvin, chief executive of the ILM, said that it is crucial that people are able to make the most of their time off work to fully relax, reflect and recharge. “This allows them fresh perspective and energy to tackle their work on return from holiday,” he said.
“Finding work-life balance is easier said than done. But organisations can foster positive work environments by encouraging staff to use their full holiday allowance, handing over responsibilities to co-workers in the lead up to leave, and having face-to-face meetings on their return.”
