The Importance of Switching Off During Annual Leave

Annual leave should give us the chance to rest, recharge and return to work feeling refreshed.

Yet for many professionals, that’s easier said than done.

With smartphones, laptops and instant messaging making work accessible almost anywhere, it’s become increasingly common for employees to check emails, answer calls or respond to messages while they’re supposed to be on holiday.

In today’s hybrid working environment, the line between work and personal time has become increasingly blurred.

But if we’re never truly switching off, are we really taking a break?

Taking annual leave isn’t simply about being away from your desk.

It’s about giving your mind the opportunity to recover.

Employees who disconnect properly often return with:

• Improved focus and productivity
• Greater creativity
• Better decision-making
• Higher motivation
• Reduced risk of stress and burnout

For employers, encouraging people to take meaningful breaks also supports engagement, retention and overall wellbeing.

The challenge isn’t usually workload.

It’s accessibility.

Emails arrive instantly.

Teams notifications continue.

Phones remain within reach.

Many employees worry they’ll return to an overflowing inbox or feel they’re letting colleagues down by not responding.

Others simply find it difficult to break the habit.

A well-written out-of-office message does more than tell people you’re away.

It sets expectations.

Instead of:

“I’ll reply as soon as possible.”

Consider something clearer:

“I’m on annual leave until 12 August and won’t be monitoring emails during this time. For urgent enquiries, please contact Jane Smith on…”

This gives colleagues and clients confidence while allowing you to enjoy your break without feeling obliged to check your inbox.

Employees often take their cues from managers.

If leaders send emails while on holiday or regularly respond to messages from the beach, teams can feel pressure to do the same.

Creating a healthy workplace culture means demonstrating that taking annual leave—and switching off—is not only acceptable but encouraged.

Before heading off, take time to:

✔ Complete urgent work where possible

✔ Brief colleagues on outstanding priorities

✔ Set realistic expectations

✔ Activate your out-of-office

✔ Trust your team

Preparation helps everyone and makes it much easier to disconnect.

Taking annual leave should leave you feeling rested—not catching up on work from a hotel balcony.

As organisations continue to focus on employee wellbeing and retention, encouraging people to fully switch off is one of the simplest ways to support healthier, happier and more productive teams.

At Sammons Pensions Recruitment, we regularly hear that work-life balance, supportive leadership and flexibility are among the factors that matter most to professionals considering their next career move. Employers who encourage genuine downtime don’t just improve wellbeing—they strengthen engagement, retention and their reputation as an employer of choice.

So before your next holiday, ask yourself one question:

Will you really switch off?