16/07/2007 - Headlines - Health and Safety
Workers 'stressed' about taking time off!
You would think the summer holiday season would mean workers were feeling a bit more relaxed, but the prospect of a few weeks off is causing anxiety, stress and even-longer working hours, it was claimed today.New research from Investors in People (IIP) showed that more than half of employees (51%) worked additional hours in the run up to taking annual leave.
Unsurprisingly, owner managers put in the most extra working time, with one in seven (14%) squeezing in an additional 16 or more hours - the equivalent of around two extra working days - just before a holiday.
Executive directors were also likely to work extra hours before a vacation. Only 24% worked normal hours whereas 39% put in at least seven hours extra.
When asked how they felt when they finally took their time off only half of employees (51%) said they did not think about work when on holiday. Nearly one in ten (9%) claimed to feel guilty about leaving colleagues, and almost one in six (15%) felt "stressed" that work might not be done properly in their absence.
On the other hand, just 30% said they were confident that colleagues would be handling things effectively while they were away.
Apparently greater trust comes with age - with 38% of managers aged 55 or over feeling "confident" about leaving their work in the hands of others, compared to only 21% of 18-24 year old managers.
'Time to relax'
The research also found that over a quarter (27%) of workers left in the office felt more pressured when a colleague was on holiday. Younger employees are more likely to feel pressured than their older counterparts.
The technology/telecoms sector was the most "conscientious" according to IIP, with detailed handover notes being left for colleagues in 21% of cases. Employees in the local government sector were the least diligent in this way - with just 9% doing the same.
Simon Jones, acting chief executive of IIP UK, said: "Holidays should be time to relax – not worry. It's important that employees have confidence in their employers and their colleagues to handle things effectively whilst they are away, rather than getting stressed or putting in ever-longer hours in the days before they go.
"Of course, part of this is down to individuals but managers can guard against the inevitable 'summer stretch' by openly co-ordinating and discussing holiday dates, identifying potential pinch points and planning extra resource or balancing workloads accordingly. It's about careful planning and prioritisation well in advance."
The YouGov online poll of almost 3,500 British workers was carried out in June.