HR experts advise people to be sure to leave their laptops and mobiles behind when they go on holiday.

HR, training and recruitment consultancy firm, The Urquhart Partnership’s Consultancy Services Director, Carol Nicholson, from their Aberdeen headquarters, said:

“The UK has among the longest working hours in Europe and this culture means people feel unable to leave their work behind when they’re on holiday.  It’s extremely important we acknowledge we need a break and that our families and home life have an equal share of our time.”

Thanks to modern technology, people can be ‘on call’ from the most remote places in the world.  Whilst that helps business, it does mean that people can’t relax or rejuvenate properly.

To make it worse, a recent Post Office survery showed that 40% of UK full time employees didn’t even expect to use their full holiday entitlement last year.  Although they might feel that earns them brownie points with the boss, this can hinder performance.

Carol added: “It’s vital people value their mental and physical wellbeing and take time away from the office to properly relax.  Rather than fretting over e-mails and deadlines, workers should take a well earned break and then return to the office replenished and ready for business.  Relationships can break down due to a partner’s resentment of time spent at work or dealing with business when away from the office. It’s essential people consider a healthy balance to avoid work taking over and affecting personal life and relationships.”

After all, nobody ever died saying they wished they’d spent longer at the office, so whether it’s cheap holidays or luxury holidays you’re looking for, make sure you make time for a real break - and leave the laptop and mobile at home.