Taking time away from work

The summer holiday season is here and many working colleagues will be getting away for a well-earned and long-awaited break.

Taking some quality time away from work is important, particularly to alleviate common symptoms of workplace stress. The Mental Health Foundation reported in 2018 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."

As a result many people don’t use their entitled annual leave allowance or when taking it, find themselves still logging in and unable to take a proper 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 workplace culture. The rapid rise of remote working also means that work often travels with an individual rather than being left behind. 

24% of shop owners work more than 70 hours per week, with 19% taking no holiday each year (Association of Convenience Stores, Local Shop Report 2018). 

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 wellbeing 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

Health and Wellbeing

GroceryAid offers online wellbeing support, hosted by Rightsteps, that assists a wide range of mind, body and behaviour topics including workplace stress.

The support is available on-demand, providing evidence-based interventions which help colleagues develop personal resilience and self-management techniques to improve wellbeing.

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.