Recent poll results gathered by e-days, the absence intelligence company found that 28% of people felt too busy at work to take holiday, and another 63% chose not to because COVID-19 restrictions had impacted their travel plans. This comes after data gathered from 50,000 of their users found that 37% of workers had more than 14 days of holiday left to take before the end of the year. 

At the same time, e-days partner Doctor Care Anywhere, a private online GP service, released data that highlighted a worrying trend since March with a rise in anxiety-related bookings as a proportion to overall appointments made. This 32% rise, alongside many employees choosing not to take annual leave this year, suggests business leaders will face both wellbeing and burnout challenges within their workforce.

Steve Arnold, CEO of e-days commented: “With International Stress Awareness week taking place between the 2nd and 6th November it is important that organisations realise the impact of these issues. Work-life balance is key to employee wellbeing and helping to avoid any potential burnout.

"Providing services that support workforces during stressful periods will lead to a stronger, happier, and more positive workforce. With days growing shorter it is vital that organisations acknowledge the potential impact to employee wellbeing and encourage staff to take time out to prioritise their mental health.”

Dr Kate Bunyan, Chief Medical Officer at Doctor Care Anywhere, added: “Providing workforces with wellbeing and mental health support has never been more important, and COVID-19 has unfortunately highlighted this.

"There is no denying that the pandemic has challenged organisations, but ensuring that employees are taking the time to rest, relax and recuperate, while offering them online services during stressful times is so important as we move into winter.”