A new survey from Timetastic has revealed that over half of UK workers (61%) didn’t use up all their annual leave in 2023. That’s approximately 20 million working people leaving their holiday days unused.
So, what’s going on? Why are so many workers struggling to take their well-deserved time off, and what does this trend reveal about the broader work culture in the UK?
The UK Has Got Slightly Better at Taking Holiday
Even though most UK workers aren’t using all their annual leave, people are getting better at making the most of their holiday time. In 2023, 31% of workers took their full entitlement, up from 29% in 2022. Notably, women were more likely to use all their leave (34% compared to 29% of men), though whether this is due to childcare responsibilities is another matter.
Leading the way by age group, almost 45% of 45-54-year-olds ensured they took every day of leave, with people in Plymouth, Brighton, and Edinburgh also among the most likely to use their full allowance.
The Toxic Workplace Problem
Sadly, not everyone skips holidays by choice. There’s a troubling side to this story, with some workers feeling pressure from their employers not to take leave. In 2023, 9% of men and 6% of women reported feeling this way. Those aged 25-34 were the most impacted by “hustle culture,” with 17% saying they felt management pressure not to take a break.
Higher rates of toxic workplaces were reported in Sheffield, London, and Manchester, with many saying they were simply too busy or understaffed to step away.
Choosing Time Off Over Money
Despite the ongoing cost of living crisis, more people are prioritising time off over extra income. In 2023, only 12% of workers opted to sell their annual leave, down slightly from 14% in 2022. It seems Brits are increasingly recognising the value of recharging rather than boosting their paycheck.
However, a gender gap remains around financial reimbursement: men are more likely to sell their leave (15% compared to 10% of women) and are also more likely to receive payments for unused time off, with 17% of men being paid versus 13% of women in 2023. It’s also worth noting that younger workers, aged 16-34, are still more likely to prefer extra money over time off.
A Quick Look at Bereavement, Adoption, and Parental Leave
On a more personal note, there was a 7% increase in employees taking bereavement or compassionate leave in 2023, according to the data. This suggests that more workplaces and employees are recognising the importance of time off for grieving and managing personal hardships.
Adoption leave, however, remains rare, with fewer than 0.05% of workers taking it in 2023. This likely reflects both the relatively low adoption rates in the UK and a gap between policy and actual uptake.
For paternity leave, dads are still taking limited time, averaging just 16.5 days—a decrease from 2022. Maternity leave also saw a slight decline, with mothers averaging 10-11 weeks in 2023, down from 11 weeks in 2022, highlighting concerns that financial pressures may be pushing new mums back to work sooner than they’d prefer.
The Most Popular Days for Annual Leave
As the final months of 2024 approach, it’s an ideal time to review the year’s annual leave trends and anticipate what lies ahead. Mondays and Fridays have consistently ranked as the most popular days for workers seeking time off to extend their weekend.
When it comes to peak holiday booking periods, the week between Christmas and New Year remains unrivaled. This stretch has long been a favorite, allowing employees to extend the festive season and enjoy one last break before the New Year begins. In 2023, 27th December emerged as the most requested day for annual leave, and all indicators suggest this trend will continue in 2024.
For those planning to take time off, early requests for Friday, 27th December, and Monday, 30th December, are strongly advised, as these days are anticipated to be in high demand as employees aim to create a longer holiday break.
Those seeking a quieter time for downtime may find early 2025 to be ideal—Friday, 10th January, or Monday 13th January, could offer low-traffic days for a relaxed start to the new year.
Oliver Higenbottam, Managing Director of staff leave software Timetastic commented: “If there’s one thing this data shows, it’s that employees have a way to go to make the most of their annual leave allowance. Taking a break isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s crucial for health, well-being, and overall productivity. Workplaces must actively encourage it and make the effort to ensure their employees feel like they can take a well-deserved break.”
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