Marvin OnumonuUK productivity is picking up as the “Winter Arc” begins, with October and November set to be the busiest months for workers, according to data from Employment Hero.
Data showed annual leave in October was at its lowest since March, with most people back into routine.
The October half-term had 60% fewer leave requests than May, so teams stayed full and work continued as normal.
Time off in October averaged just 3.6 days, mainly taken on Fridays.
Fewer people called in sick during October half-term compared to other times in the month.
November 2024 also saw one of the lowest levels of annual leave, second only to February, making it one of the most productive periods of the year.
Employment Hero’s Work That Works report found one in three small businesses are in survival mode, relying on this productive spell ahead of the Autumn Budget.
The same report found one in three employees spent time on inefficient tasks, so having a full team at work was seen as vital.
Kevin Fitzgerald, UK managing director at Employment Hero, said: “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.”
Fitzgerald added: “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.”
