More than half of the Swiss feel high stress after their summer vacation

A recent study by recruitment firm Robert Walters with Swiss professionals reveals that the return to the office is often accompanied by stress. Moreover, anxiety and even guilt. Nevertheless,

Summer holidays should be synonymous with relaxation – an opportunity to disconnect, recharge your batteries and regain work with energy. However. Similarly, a recent study by recruitment firm Robert Walters with Swiss professionals reveals that the return to the office is often accompanied by stress, anxiety and even guilt. Meanwhile, Emotions that impact as much the well-being of employees as their productivity. Meanwhile,

End of vacation. Consequently, start of stress

The survey shows that more than half of the Swiss professionals (53%) feel stressed or anxious at the idea of regaining work after their summer holidays. Nevertheless, Strong fact: 29% even say they are “very anxious”. In addition,

more than half swiss feel

Özlem Simsek. For example, Managing Director at Robert Walters, underlines: “Annual leave is supposed to offer a welcome break and allow professionals to recharge their batteries – they should not cause more stress than before leaving on vacation.”

Inbox. Furthermore, the main source of anxiety

The overload of the mailbox is by far the number one stress factor for Swiss employees: 55% of respondents cite their messaging as the main source of concern. Meanwhile, Among the other causes: the fear of having accumulated delay (18%). Meanwhile, the passing problems or the pending work (18%) and the fear of having lacked significant information (9%).

This stress is such that many professionals adopt “fire tactics” during their holidays: 66% consult their professional emails in order to limit the arrears on return. to follow emergencies.

“With modern tools, we can be reached everywhere and at any time, which more than half swiss feel offers flexibility and freedom. But this permanent connectivity also creates pressure: many feel obliged to stay connected even on vacation, ”explains Özlem.

Guilt. an obstacle to leave

To limit their stress, some are not content to check their emails: they simply repel their leave. No less than 71% of respondents admit that they often. sometimes their vacation by guilt or because of an overly heavy workload. Switzerland is thus at the top of the countries studied on this point.

“When employees feel guilty of taking leave, it is often a sign of a problematic corporate culture,” warns Özlem. “Managers must remind their teams that resting is not a sign of weakness, but a condition for sustainable performance.”

Collective closure: solution or source of stress?

Collective summer vacation-where the whole company closes at the same time-could reduce post-vacancy stress. because they remove the fear of more than half swiss feel missing something.

In Switzerland. however, the idea, however, gradually seduces: only 10% strongly support this concept, while 32% prefer to keep flexibility to choose their dates themselves.

Note that 39% find that it is easier to relax when the whole team is absent. but that is not enough to sacrifice individual freedom.

A European phenomenon

Switzerland is not alone in the face of the stress of the leave.

In Belgium, 47% of employees say they are anxious to the recovery. 56% postpone their vacation by guilt and 65% read their emails during their holidays.

In Spain and France, stress levels are even higher, with 63% and 64% of anxious employees respectively after the holidays. Collective closures are more popular in France, however: 60% claim that they facilitate disconnection, against only 20% in Spain.

The United Kingdom broke all records: 78% of employees more than half swiss feel feel stress. anxiety after their vacation, and more than half regularly consult their emails during their holidays.

Create good culture

These results show that “vacation” does not always rhyme with real rest. Saturated email boxes, constant connectivity and lack of clear handover prevent the fully taking advantage of this break time.

“There is no unique solution,” concludes Özlem. “The main thing is to build a working culture where disconnection is really encouraged – whether collective or individual leave.”

Some good practices:

• Provide clear passing before departure.
• Respect absence messages.
• Have realistic expectations for availability.
• Encourage an open dialogue on leave without guilt.

It is only in this context that professionals can really recharge their batteries. and that companies benefit from motivated and productive teams after summer.