Taking time off during the holidays

An issue that often goes under the radar when considering the holiday season is the number of people who don’t use their entitled annual leave allowance or when taking it, find themselves still logging in and unable to step away to take a break.

People cite several reasons for this including; not wanting to fall behind, pressure from a boss, lack of staff support, constant organisational changes and also workplace culture. Another reason is the rapid growth of remote working, meaning work often travels with an individual rather than being left at the office door.

The issue is particularly apparent in shopkeepers where 20% are working over 70 hours per week and 19% are taking no holiday at all (Association of Convenience Stores, Local Shop Report 2017).

Spending too much time working can have damaging emotional and health consequences including:

• Stress levels in particular amongst workplace colleagues are on the rise. The Mental Health Foundation report that "over the past year, almost three quarters (74%) of people have at some point felt so stressed that they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope"
  
• Sleep deprivation – fatigue can impact mood and health
  
• Physical pain - for example, neck and back soreness
  
• Relationships – overworking means quality time to see friends and family is usually sacrificed   
  

Why taking a break is important

• Work life balance - using time away from work to exercise, catch up with family and friends, read a book and pursue hobbies is good for mental well being and health
  
• Physical benefits – an active lifestyle is good for short and long term health
  
• Increased productivity – if your brain is frazzled by a constant flow of deadlines or overworking output and quality can slip
  

How GroceryAid can help

GroceryAid Helpline

The 24/7 Helpline (online via Live Chat and freephone 08088 021 122) provides problem solving and emotional support for a range of topics; illness and mental health issues including; counselling services; relationship support and career advice.

Therapy support programme

GroceryAid has an online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) programme aimed at providing insight, advice and actions for those struggling with their mental health. 

The service offers an anonymous, safe and secure space for users to learn and develop, empowering people to manage their own mental and behavioural health. Working with SilverCloud this service will offer a personal, flexible and accessible online space. The content aims to be motivational, easy to use and interactive; helping you manage the way they think. There is also a library of interactive and engaging programmes.

Eligibility criteria and requirements:

• available to grocery colleagues, their spouses, partners or dependents
  
• be able to demonstrate commitment to the programme.
  
• have access to a computer, tablet or smartphone
  

To find out more and see if the programme can help you please call the confidential GroceryAid Helpline on 08088 021 122 and talk to one of our advisers. We are open 24/7 all year around.