New research suggests Britain’s workforce is struggling to switch off, with one in two employees contacted by work while on annual leave — turning holidays into what many describe as a “busman’s break”.
The findings highlight a growing tension between employers’ wellbeing commitments and the reality of always‑on digital culture.
Airalo, the world’s first eSIM platform, commissioned YouGov to survey more than 2,000 adults from across the UK and found that annual leave is being disrupted according to the study, interruptions range from “quick questions” on WhatsApp to full‑scale requests for support on live projects. Younger workers are the most affected, with many reporting pressure to stay responsive even when officially out of office. The report warns that this creeping expectation risks undermining the very purpose of paid leave: rest, recovery and time away from professional demands.
The research also points to a wider cultural shift. While hybrid working has given employees more flexibility, it has blurred boundaries to the point where many feel permanently reachable. Experts say the trend is contributing to burnout, reduced productivity and rising resentment among staff who feel their downtime is no longer respected. The study calls on employers to set clearer protocols around communication during leave and to model behaviour that genuinely supports disconnection.
