It’s always hard to leave the sun lounger by the hotel pool and come back to your office chair, however a survey reveals that most Britons dread returning to work from their holidays.
The survey, carried out by Investors in People, found that nearly 60 per cent of employees find it hard to face work after weeks in the sun.
Key findings place the blame on employers who are doing little to spark enthusiasm and are providing a less than welcoming attitude when their employees return.
The survey shows that downcast employees, though refreshed from their break, need inspiration from management after their holiday. Of those questioned 44 per cent said that a simple ‘welcome back’ would improve their motivation.
Only 25 per cent of employees feel more refreshed and enthusiastic about work than before they went away with a further 25 per cent citing a full ‘in-tray’ or ‘in-box’ as the one thing guaranteed to undermine their enthusiasm.
The research also uncovered the mindset of those returning to work. Over half of employees take action to improve their lifestyle, such as booking another holiday or vowing to get to work on time.
More worrying for small business employers is that a third of employees consider new projects, with 14 per cent looking for a change of job.
Ruth Spellman, Chief Executive of Investors in People commented, “You can understand employees’ reluctance to return to the old routine, but it’s less easy to see why bosses aren’t reacting as their workforce wavers before their eyes.
“They’ve got to do what they can to help employees settle back in and keep them motivated long after the tan has faded, or enthusiasm and productivity will evaporate. Employers must take action before eagerness for change leads to a determination to leave.
“Britain’s bosses need to realise their own behaviour makes a big difference, this research is a wake up call.”
