18 June 2012

Are Brits are addicted to work

A new survey reveals that busy Britons are not taking their entire annual leave entitlement.

A new survey reveals that busy Britons are not taking their entire annual leave entitlement.

Worryingly, one in five workers will not use all of their holiday allowances this year, losing an average of seven days' holiday per year.

Whilst the average worker gets 25 days off a year, many fail to use their full allowance. Research from insurance firm LV= found that a quarter of workers who do end up taking time off find themselves working while on holiday.

Busy Brits confess that the number one reason they do not take their full entitlement is because they find it difficult to fit in holidays around their work schedule.

A quarter (24%) said that their workload is too demanding for them to take a break and a further 23% said they couldn't fit in annual leave around their colleagues' holidays. Job security is another major factor which prevents people from taking time off. One in seven confessed that they were worried about being away from work in the current economic climate.

Psychologist Dr Glenn Wilson said: "There is ample evidence that holidays have a positive effect on mood, well-being and health. However, as these benefits appear to be mostly short-lived and tend to fade within two to three weeks it is best to take a series of short breaks rather that one long, extended holiday.”

Even when Brits take a holiday they find it hard to relax. The research found that the average Brit needs three and half days to feel relaxed and unwind. This is almost half of the average seven and a half day holiday. One way to relax could be by hiring a car and taking a long drive. Driving holidays can be enjoyable and soothing. It would be advisable to take out car hire excess insurance for further peace of mind.

Selwyn Fernandes, Managing Director of LV= travel insurance, said: "In these uncertain economic times many people find themselves not only with less money, but also with heavier workloads. Yet a few days off is good for our general wellbeing.”