Half of Swiss people feel stressed when returning from vacation
Summer vacations should be synonymous with relaxation, letting go, and recharging your batteries. However, for many Swiss people, returning to work is accompanied by a wave of stress. According to a study conducted by recruitment firm Robert Walters, 53% of employees in Switzerland feel anxious about returning to work after their vacations. Nearly a third (29%) even say they feel “very anxious.” How can this paradox be explained? And above all, what solutions can be put in place to ensure that vacations fulfill their role?
Email inboxes: a key stress factor
The number one factor contributing to this stress? Unsurprisingly, it’s overflowing email inboxes. No less than 55% of respondents dread opening their email when they return to work, faced with an avalanche of accumulated messages. Added to this is the fear of falling behind (18%), managing pending files (18%), or missing important information (9%). This reality illustrates the invisible but constant pressure of digital tools. Some employees even admit to feeling stressed for several days before returning to work, for fear of discovering changes that have occurred in their absence.
The trap of constant connectivity
In the digital age, the boundaries between private and professional life have become considerably blurred. Smartphones, instant messaging, and collaborative tools make us accessible anywhere, anytime. What appears to offer freedom and flexibility actually creates invisible pressure: 66% of Swiss people continue to check their work emails while on vacation. Many justify this by saying they don’t want to “lose track” or avoid being overwhelmed with work when they return. But this reflex perpetuates a vicious circle: by seeking to reduce the stress of returning to work, we prevent our nervous system from letting go. Reading a few emails “to check” quickly becomes a daily habit, which undermines rest and prevents the brain from truly disconnecting. Some employees go even further: 71% admit to postponing their vacations due to guilt or work overload.
What are the best ways to get some real rest?
1. Prepare handovers
Before leaving, clarifying files and appointing a temporary contact person will help prevent chaos when you return to the office. Informing colleagues and superiors of the progress of projects reduces uncertainty and stress related to unfinished tasks. A clear handover is the first step to detaching yourself from work with peace of mind.
2. Respect out-of-office messages
It is essential to establish clear rules around out-of-office messages. Employees need to understand that immediate responses are not expected and that their return to work can be organized without pressure. This approach sends a strong message: rest is legitimate and respected within the company.
3. Limit access to emails
In order for the brain to truly disconnect, it is recommended to disable all notifications and, above all, to avoid compulsive checking. Even a quick glance each day can maintain anxiety and prevent true relaxation.
4. Encourage a culture of disconnection
HR has a key role to play in normalizing rest: reminding their teams that taking time off is not a sign of weakness, but an essential condition for sustainable performance.
5. Introduce a wellness week at the start of the school year
To soften the blow of returning to work, some companies organize a wellness week, combining stress management workshops, sophrology sessions, yoga, or massages. This initiative helps employees ease back into work gradually, release accumulated tension, and regain motivation for the weeks ahead.
Conclusion
Le paradoxe des vacances stressantes illustre bien les défis actuels du monde du travail : hyperconnectivité et surcharge d’information. À l’inverse, en repensant nos habitudes et en cultivant une vraie culture du repos, entreprises et collaborateurs peuvent transformer la rentrée en un moment d’énergie retrouvée. Car au fond, la meilleure garantie de performance durable reste encore… un repos respecté.