They might be intended as a relaxing break from work, but it would seem that taking holidays actually causes more stress for UK owner-managers.
According to research by Investors in People (IiP), an organisation that aims to improve businesses’ performance, one in seven owner-managers said they work an extra 16 hours or more just before taking time off.
The research found that executive directors are highly likely to work extra hours before taking a holiday, with only 24% able to continue working normally before taking a break.
However, IiP stressed that this problem is not solely reserved for business leaders. On the contrary, the research found that more than half of employees report working extra hours in the run up to taking annual leave.
What’s more, even when workers finally make it on holiday, only half are able to relax without worrying about what’s happening at work in their absence.
“Holidays should be time to relax – not worry,” said Simon Jones, acting chief executive of Investors in People UK.
“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.”
Jones added that effective management is crucial to relieving potential stress caused by the holiday season.
He said: “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.”
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
