A third of us check our work emails on the first day of our holidays

More than one in three workaholic Brits check their work emails on the FIRST day of their holiday - with the average sun-seeker taking three days to feel like they've fully 'switched off'. More than a third (35%) of frazzled workers admit they can't resist the lure of their work emails on day one, while half (50%) can't manage without checking social media.

The survey of 2,000 UK adults found that it takes the average holidaymaker three whole days to feel like they’ve 'switched off'. More than half (57%) confess that jetting abroad without their trusty smartphone and indulging in a digital detox is unimaginable.

This is despite a whopping 81% of those quizzed in the survey by luxury holiday provider Scott Dunn saying that 'slowing down and unwinding' is the top priority for their summer holiday this year. As many as two thirds (65%) of Brits said they wouldn’t be able to resist the temptation to take photos or videos while on holiday, rather than just soaking up and cherishing the moment.

The survey revealed men find it easier to switch off than women, with more than a quarter (26%) able to leave their daily routines on the plane to enjoy the very first day of their holiday. Women are more likely to give in to the temptation of checking work emails, with 28% admitting they'd be guilty of this.

The study proves that Gen Z (18-27-year-olds) make more of an effort to improve their mental health and wellbeing, especially when it comes to holidays. Gen Z are more likely to travel for wellness over any other age group. Not only this, but Gen Z are twice as likely to travel for relaxation than their neighbouring generation - Millennials.

Millennials are the least likely to spend their holiday switching off, as only 39% can unplug from their online lives within the first three days. Out of all generations, the Millennial age group are the most likely to check their work emails, with more than half (51%) saying they would likely check these within the first four hours of their holiday.

It appears that over 55s are the most eager to kick back and relax on holiday. Although everybody has a different definition of what relaxation looks like, for more than four in ten (42%) 55-64-year-olds, relaxing is simply doing nothing.

This eagerness to escape the stress of everyday life has led to the coining of a new trend, 'the slowcation' or 'slow travel'. Simon Lynch, Global Product Director at Scott Dunn, said: "Slow travel is more about a mindset as opposed to a pace of movement.

"It’s exploring somewhere on a deeper level, making space mentally and physically for things to happen spontaneously. Examples include taking time to walk in nature, cycle through the countryside, engage with locals or take a long-distance rail journey.

"With phones constantly buzzing, emails piling up and the lure of a quick dopamine hit from TikTok or Instagram all making it difficult to really unwind, perhaps adopting a 'slow travel' mindset could be the answer?" Dr Deborah Lee of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy said avoiding work emails is particularly important when you jet off on holiday.

Dr Lee said: "Today’s workers are under more stress than ever. Everyone wants more for less and employees are often forced to work long hours. Taking a holiday helps relieve that stress as you're removed from the workplace and have a different daily routine.

"Taking annual leave also leads to higher levels of life satisfaction, improved mental health and improved physical health. After a holiday people often find they have better job satisfaction too, and it can even increase their productivity.

“It's vital you take all the leave you are entitled to and use it appropriately to get away and de-stress - and that includes not answering your work emails. Stress raises your adrenaline and cortisol levels and your blood pressure. It affects your health in so many ways, often causing insomnia and tiredness.

"By not answering emails you are switching off your stress response and giving your body a holiday from excess adrenal hormones."

TOP THREE TIPS ON HOW BEST TO PLAN TO BE OFF WORK ON HOLIDAY

1. Plan in advance for your holiday.

· Do a good handover to the rest of your team and tell them you won’t be checking your email box while you are away.

· Tell any important clients you are away and who to deal with in your absence.

· Make sure your manager is aware.

· Put on your Out of Office.

· Turn off any work notifications.

· If you need to - delete the Zoom and Microsoft Teams apps before you go.

· Ideally put your computer in a drawer to avoid temptation.

2. Carve out a short period of time to check emails if you can't avoid them

If you can't be quite so drastic, set yourself 15 minutes morning and evening to look at your emails – but no more. If needs be, get a partner or a friend to look after your computer and/or your mobile phone to stop you from doing it.

3. Don't put your phone number on your out of office

Give it to someone who can deputise in your absence. That person needs to know this is the case and be ready to take on the role. But if you give your own number out you are likely to be disturbed and ruin your holiday.

TOP 10 WAYS BRITS RELAX ON HOLIDAY

• Eating and drinking out - (50% of people say this helps them relax on holiday)

• Reading - (42%)

• Sunbathing - (33%)

• Spending time in nature - (31%)

• Excursions - (30%)

• Socialising with loved ones - (29%)

• Doing nothing - (28%)

• Listening to music or podcast - (24%)

• Catching up on sleep - (19%)

• Watching TV or films - (16%)

For more information visit, https://www.scottdunn.com/inspiration/travel-trends/this-year/summer