As the days become shorter and the weather gets wetter and more grey, UK workers will already be dreaming of their next holiday. But when the time comes to jet off somewhere warmer for a break – will workers be able to properly unplug from work?
Even on holiday, workers often struggle to escape the constant ping of emails, the weight of unfinished projects, and the nagging urge to check in with the office. This difficulty ‘switching off’ is far from uncommon, and Mental Health UK reports that a staggering 9 in 10 UK adults suffered from burnout last year, highlighting the importance of genuinely restorative breaks.
Julian Goldie, founder of Goldie Academy, recognizes this widespread challenge. “In our always-on culture, truly disconnecting from work can feel like an impossible task,” he notes. “Many return from holidays feeling somewhat refreshed, but with a lingering sense that they never fully escaped the demands of their job.”
As thoughts turn to future time off – be it long weekends, winter breaks, or next summer’s getaway – Goldie offers valuable insights on how to make the most of these precious periods. “The key is learning how to truly switch off, allowing yourself to fully recharge and return to work genuinely refreshed,” he explains.
To help workers maximise their next holiday, Goldie shares his top strategies for disconnecting from work and reclaiming the rejuvenating power of time away:
Embrace the Out-of-Office: Set a clear out-of-office message that outlines your return date and limited availability. It sets expectations and allows you to relax without the guilt of unanswered emails.
Delegate: Trust your team! Delegate tasks effectively and empower them to make decisions in your absence. This not only frees you up but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility within your team.
Schedule Downtime: Highlight a set relaxation time in your calendar, just like you would a meeting. Whether it’s an afternoon at the park or an evening spent with loved ones, prioritise these moments of disconnection.
Silence Your Devices: Set designated times when you completely switch off your phone and computer notifications. This allows you to be fully present in the moment, soaking up the sights and sounds.
Find Your Flow: Plan activities you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s reading a book, exploring new places, or simply soaking up the sun. Engaging in activities that bring you joy promotes relaxation and reduces stress.
Connect with Nature: Go for a hike, have a picnic in the park, or simply sit by the beach and listen to the waves. Nature has a powerful ability to calm the mind and boost mood.
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness exercises like meditation or deep breathing can help quiet the mental chatter and bring you back to the present moment.
Prioritise Sleep: Sleep is critical for both physical and mental health. Set a regular sleep schedule and create a routine to ensure a good night’s rest.
Savour the Moment: Be present and appreciate the simple joys of your holiday. Put away your phone when you’re with loved ones, savour delicious meals and realise you won’t get this time back.
Reflect & Recharge: Use at least some of your downtime to reflect on your work goals and priorities. Returning with a fresh perspective can lead to increased creativity and productivity.
Julian Goldie, founder of Goldie Academy, comments:
“The rise of ‘performative workaholism’ – the expectation to be always available – is creating a workforce that’s chronically stressed and increasingly less effective. Paradoxically, by learning to truly disconnect, we become more valuable to our organisations.
“The skill of ‘switching off’ is about more than just work-life balance; it builds mental resilience. At a time where many of us experience information overload, knowing how to step back and reset is becoming as important as any technical skill.
“Looking ahead, companies that encourage and facilitate genuine downtime for their employees will likely see improvements in retention, creativity, and overall output. As individuals, mastering the art of disconnecting might be one of the most important career skills we can develop in the digital age.”
