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21% of workers miss out on annual leave due to workplace pressure, research finds

The study from Timetastic showed 21% failed to use all their holiday, even though 89% said time off improved their mental health.

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21% of workers miss out on annual leave due to workplace pressure, research finds
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One in five UK workers did not take their full annual leave last year due to workplace pressure, new research from Timetastic found. 

A study of 6,000 UK employees showed 21% failed to use all their holiday, even though 89% said time off improved their mental health.

Despite most saying holidays were good for wellbeing, 11% admitted they felt pressure not to book time off, with workload and guilt the main reasons. 

Nearly half (45%) said their mental health suffered, and all those who missed leave reported higher work-related stress.

Only 18% of staff used up all their holiday allowance, while over a quarter (26%) left more than 15 days unused. 

Younger workers aged 18–24 were most likely to take all their holiday at 82%. 

Older workers were more likely to leave days unused. 

Mid-level managers and supervisors felt the most pressure to skip holidays, with over a quarter (26%) saying they could not fully step away. 

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Just 1% of senior management reported feeling the same.

Sarah Crammond, service and support at Timetastic, said: “While senior leaders may have more control over their schedules, those entering the workforce today are navigating a culture where ‘always-on’ availability is often mistaken for commitment. 

“It suggests that while younger workers value their wellbeing, they may still feel the weight of traditional work ethics that prioritise ‘grind’ over recovery.”

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The research showed 9% of employees felt guilty for taking their earned leave, and 42% said their decision to take time off was influenced by workload, workplace culture or concerns about inconveniencing colleagues.

Crammond added: “Efficient annual leave isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about creating breathing room for your team. 

“When managers have clear visibility of who is off and when, they can distribute workloads more fairly, ensuring that no one feels like their holiday is an inconvenience to the business.

“It’s vital for managers to remember that they can’t pour from an empty cup.”

She said: “When a leader is stressed and skipping breaks, that tension filters down, creating a culture where the rest of the team feels guilty for resting.

“To lead effectively, you have to reset. A rested manager makes better decisions, is more empathetic, and sets a healthy permission-based culture for everyone else.”

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