New research from digital leave planner Timetastic reveals that UK employees are among the worst in Europe at taking full-week holidays, despite growing evidence that skipping extended breaks fuels burnout and hampers workplace performance.

The UK’s Annual Leave Problem

According to Timetastic’s latest findings, 43% of UK employees did not take a full week off in 2024, despite having an average entitlement of 22-23 days per year. Even more concerning, the typical worker left around five days of annual leave unused—equivalent to missing out on a full workweek of rest.

This reluctance to take time off is happening at a time when workplace burnout is rising. The OECD and World Health Organization (WHO) report that stress-related absenteeism has increased by 30% in the past five years. Timetastic’s research supports these findings, showing that workers who skip full-week breaks are more likely to experience exhaustion, decreased productivity, and lower job satisfaction.

“Taking fragmented days off here and there simply doesn’t allow employees to fully recharge,”

says Oliver Higenbottam, Managing Director at Timetastic.

“Short breaks help, but research consistently shows that a full-week holiday provides the deep recovery needed for sustained performance, creativity, and mental well-being.”

The Best and Worst Countries for Extended Leave

Timetastic’s study highlights stark global differences in leave-taking habits. While some nations embrace the benefits of full-week holidays, others lag behind:

The best at taking full-week breaks:

• Germany – 69% of employees took a full week or more off in 2024.
• United Arab Emirates – 59.8% of employees took a full week or more off in 2024.
• Ireland – 59.6% of employees took a full week or more off in 2024.

The worst at taking extended leave:

• Canada – Only 6% of employees took a full week or more off in 2024, the lowest rate globally.
• France – 30% of employees took a full week or more off, despite generous leave policies.
• United States – 33% of employees took a full week or more off, largely due to the lack of mandated paid leave.

Countries that encourage regular, extended vacations, like Germany and Ireland, also rank among the most productive per hour worked, according to OECD productivity data. Meanwhile, nations where workers avoid full-week breaks, such as the US and Canada, experience higher burnout rates and lower overall efficiency.

Why Full-Week Breaks Are Essential for Business Success

Employees who regularly skip vacations are more likely to suffer from:

• Increased risk of burnout and exhaustion.
• Higher absenteeism and sick leave.
• Reduced problem-solving skills and productivity.

Conversely, taking a full-week break has been shown to reduce stress, boost engagement, and improve overall work output. Research from the International Labour Organization (ILO) finds that companies with strong leave-taking cultures see 23% lower turnover rates and 17% higher job satisfaction.

It’s Time to Rethink Workplace Leave Culture

Despite the clear benefits, UK employees remain hesitant to take extended breaks. This is often due to workplace pressure, understaffing, or concerns about falling behind. Timetastic is urging businesses to actively encourage full-week vacations as a key strategy to improve both employee well-being and workplace performance.

“Skipping holidays doesn’t make employees more productive—it does the opposite,”

says Higenbottam.

“If businesses want sustainable success, they need to normalise taking full, uninterrupted weeks off.”

For companies looking to foster a healthier work environment, embracing a leave-positive culture isn’t just a perk, it’s a necessity.

https://timetastic.co.uk/