According to latest findings*, a staggering 43% of UK employees did not take a full week off in 2024, despite having access to an average annual leave entitlement of 22–23 days, a figure that has remained consistent since 2019. This trend of underutilised holidays is more than just a quirk of modern work culture, it’s a growing problem with serious consequences.

Even more striking is that the average worker left around five days of unused holiday untouched. This essentially equates to missing out on a full workweek of potential rest, a time that could have been used to recharge physically and mentally, reconnect with loved ones, travel, or simply step away from the daily grind.

While many might think they are being more committed by skipping breaks, the evidence points in a very different direction. Skipping holidays doesn’t just mean missing out on fun, it’s directly linked to rising stress levels, reduced productivity, and long-term health consequences.

The burnout crisis: A symptom of skipped breaks

The culture of presenteeism, being at work even when rest is needed, has become increasingly prevalent, especially in fast-paced, competitive job markets. And the fallout is becoming impossible to ignore. Workplace burnout is at record highs, with a 30% increase in stress-related absenteeism across the UK in the past five years, according to the OECD and World Health Organization (WHO).

This isn’t just a random coincidence. These health trends align closely with findings, which suggest that workers who avoid taking full-week holidays are at a higher risk of exhaustion, burnout, and decreased productivity. It’s a vicious cycle, people work harder and longer to meet expectations, but over time their performance deteriorates due to lack of recovery, creating more stress and more missed time off.

The power of proper rest: Why short breaks aren’t enough

“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 science backs this up. A day off here and there may provide short-term relief, but the benefits of longer breaks, particularly those that remove workers entirely from the pressures of their environment, are far more profound. Recovery isn’t just physical; it involves psychological detachment from work, which helps restore mental clarity, emotional resilience, and motivation.

In fact, productivity isn’t about how long you can keep grinding, it’s about how effectively you can work when you’re on the clock. And without proper rest, performance suffers.

The health implications: It’s more than just fatigue

Beyond productivity, skipping holidays has very real consequences for physical health. Dr Claire Merrifield, GP and medical director at Selph, emphasises the potentially life-altering outcomes of chronic overwork and lack of rest.

“It is well known that taking vacations from work provides many benefits to health and wellbeing. In fact, people who don’t take annual holidays are more likely to die from a heart attack.“

She continues:

“There are many reasons for this, but one of the main mechanisms is that people tend to relax on holiday. The day-to-day stress of work is removed along with the potential for threat so, often, a week off work is seen as a period of psychological safety. Relaxation reduces blood pressure, improves metabolic health by increasing insulin sensitivity, reduces appetite and fat storage and can help boost energy so we are more inclined to exercise. Taking time out from work also improves our creativity, focus, productivity and general sense of life satisfaction.“

These findings paint a clear picture: the act of disconnecting from work isn’t optional, it’s essential. Failing to do so over time doesn’t just make us tired; it compromises immune function, encourages unhealthy weight gain, and increases susceptibility to chronic illnesses.

Dr Merrifield adds:

“Not taking a vacation from work can therefore make us less productive, less creative, less efficient and reduce job satisfaction. It leads to negative health effects due to chronic stress which typically manifest as having low energy, putting on weight, feeling sluggish and having a higher risk of heart disease.“

Global comparisons: Where does the UK stand?

The UK isn’t alone in its struggle with leave culture. Timetastic’s research draws sharp contrasts between how different countries approach time off, and the results are eye-opening.

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.

• Ireland: 59.6% of employees took a full week or more off.

The worst at taking extended leave:

• Canada: Just 6% of employees took a full week or more off in 2024—the lowest rate globally.

• France: Only 30% took a full week off, despite generous leave policies.

• United States: 33% took a full week off; the lack of mandated paid leave plays a key role.

The contrast is stark. Countries that actively encourage extended vacations, like Germany and Ireland, not only have healthier workforces, but they also rank among the most productive nations per hour worked, according to OECD productivity data.

On the other hand, nations like the US and Canada, where full-week breaks are rare, report higher burnout rates and lower overall efficiency. It’s a powerful argument against the idea that fewer holidays equals more output. In fact, the opposite appears true.

The bottom line: Full-week breaks drive performance

The impact of skipping holidays isn’t limited to employee wellbeing, it directly affects business outcomes.

Workers who don’t take sufficient leave are more likely to experience:

• Increased risk of burnout and exhaustion

• Higher absenteeism and sick leave

• Reduced problem-solving skills and productivity

Conversely, employees who regularly take full-week holidays are better positioned to:

• Manage stress

• Stay engaged and focused

• Perform at a higher level

Research from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) supports this. Companies that foster a strong leave-taking culture see:

• 23% lower turnover rates

• 17% higher job satisfaction

Time to rethink leave culture?

Despite all this evidence, UK workers remain hesitant to take time off. Cultural norms, job insecurity, understaffing, and fears about falling behind contribute to this reluctance. But it’s time for that to change.

Organisations need to take the lead by encouraging employees to use their full annual leave entitlement and promote a healthier work-life balance. Taking holidays shouldn’t be seen as slacking off, it should be recognised as a vital component of sustainable success.

“Skipping holidays doesn’t make employees more productive—it does the opposite,” says Oliver Higenbottam. “If businesses want sustainable success, they need to normalise taking full, uninterrupted weeks off.“

For UK businesses looking to boost retention, morale, and output, the solution might be as simple as reminding staff to book a holiday, and ensuring they actually take it.

*Research by Timetastic