In today’s fast-paced work culture, it’s easy to delay or even skip annual leave. You might feel you’ll fall behind, worry about the backlog, or believe things won’t run smoothly without you. 

But research shows that neglecting your holiday allowance doesn’t just impact your wellbeing — it also affects your work performance and overall health.

For those living and working in Cheltenham, Gloucester, and across the South West, where careers are often demanding and fast-moving, making time for annual leave is more important than ever.

The Mental Health Benefits of Taking Annual Leave

• Lower stress and anxiety: According to UK research, 78% of professionals admit to feeling anxious about returning to work after a holiday — often because they never truly switched off in the first place (Robert Walters, 2024). Taking proper leave helps break this cycle.
• True rest and recovery: Only 15% of UK employees report returning from annual leave feeling fully refreshed. Prioritising real downtime helps protect your mental resilience.
• Reduced burnout: With over 57% of workers saying they continue to work “sometimes or often” during leave (Breathe HR, 2024), making the decision to unplug is one of the most powerful things you can do for your mental health.

The Physical Health Benefits of Annual Leave

Time off doesn’t just clear your head — it gives your body the chance to reset. Chronic stress raises blood pressure, disturbs sleep, and depletes your immune system.

Shockingly, 9 in 10 Brits say they actually feel more tired after a bank holiday weekend because they cram too much in — losing on average four hours of sleep during the break (The Sun, 2025). Slowing down and giving yourself permission to rest is essential for long-term health.

The Work Benefits of Taking Time Off

• Higher productivity: Employees who take their full holiday allowance are up to 40% more productive than those who don’t (The Guardian, 2025).
• Fewer sick days: Proper rest can reduce sick leave by as much as 28%.
• Better engagement: Those with good work–life balance don’t just work harder — they’re also more creative, focused, and engaged.

Taking leave isn’t about being absent — it’s about returning as your best self.

Here’s what the stats reveal about UK annual leave habits:

• 65% of UK workers leave some annual leave unused (Timetastic, 2024).
• Only 35% use their full entitlement (The Guardian, 2025).
• 57% admit to working during annual leave (Breathe HR, 2024).
• 51% check emails on holiday to “reduce backlog” (Robert Walters, 2024).
• 43% feel pressured to stay contactable, even while away (Standout CV, 2024).
• Just 15% return from leave feeling genuinely refreshed (Robert Walters, 2024).

The numbers make it clear: most UK employees aren’t giving themselves the full benefit of their holidays.

Here are 7 Ways to Prep for Annual Leave (So Returning Feels Less Stressful)

1. Book early and stick to it — don’t leave your holiday days until the last minute.
2. Prepare a handover — make it easy for colleagues to pick things up.
3. Set a clear out-of-office — and commit to respecting it yourself.
4. Switch off notifications — don’t sabotage your own break.
5. Block out re-entry time — keep your first day back free for catch-up.
6. Encourage team breaks — people relax more when colleagues are off too.
7. Protect your bank holidays — avoid over-scheduling, or they’ll leave you more drained than refreshed.

Final Thoughts.....

Skipping annual leave might seem like a small sacrifice in the short term, but the long-term cost is significant: poor health, reduced performance, and ongoing stress. 

By taking your full entitlement — and truly disconnecting — you invest in your wellbeing, your relationships, and your career.

If you’re based in Cheltenham, Gloucester, or the surrounding areas and find it difficult to switch off, there are simple ways to make that transition easier.

Further Support

I offer a free Stress Release Hypnosis audio , designed to help you let go of tension and reset your mind and you can download it here. 

If you’d like to explore how hypnotherapy can support your mental resilience, sleep, and stress management, you’re also welcome to book a free no-obligation consultation call with me. 

Together, we can look at how to help you truly relax — both on holiday and in everyday life.

Lesley Ford 

19th August 2025