UK enters its Winter Arc as productivity peaks
As summer holidays have wrapped up, Brits are entering what’s becoming known as the “Winter Arc” – the late autumn period where people focus on productivity, goal-setting, and getting ahead before the year-end rush. Employment Hero data shows that households and employees largely back in rhythm, making October and November key months for productivity.
New real-time data highlights:
- October shows lowest annual leave since March: workers are firmly back into routine
- Half-term impact minimal: October half-term has 60% fewer leave requests than May, so teams remain full and work uninterrupted
- Short, targeted leave: Time off averages just 3.6 days in October, with Fridays the most popular – employees are taking smart, limited breaks
- Fewer sick days: in 2024, sick days during October half-term were lower than the rest of the month, so it’s not historically a time for booking sick leave
- Post-summer productivity sweet spot: November 2024 recorded some of the lowest annual leave requests – only behind February. It’s one of the most productive months of the year
SMEs under pressure
For small businesses, the Winter Arc productivity window is crucial. Research from Employment Hero’s Work That Works report shows that one in three SMEs are operating in survival mode, needing all hands on deck to weather the storm – particularly with the next Budget looming. The report also found that one in three employees spend time on inefficient tasks, making every productive moment even more important.
The Winter Arc could be the UK’s most productive period, with fuller teams in place ahead of the inevitable dip as December festivities approach.
Quote from Kevin Fitzgerald, UK MD at Employment Hero: "Late Autumn feels like the moment the UK switches back on after summer. With kids back in school and routines re-established, employees are refocusing their energy using October and November to plan, get organised and set themselves up for a strong finish to the year. We are seeing what many are calling the start of the Winter Arc, when people channel their focus and productivity before the year end rush. For small businesses this is a crucial window to build momentum and make the most of full teams, especially with the Autumn Budget just around the corner."
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