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Summer holidays are supposed to give busy workers time away from the office to switch off and unwind, however new research out today from the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) reveals that over one-third work while on annual leave, while 40% return feeling more stressed than when they left.

The survey of almost 2,500 UK managers shows that out of those who work while on leave, 80% frequently respond to emails, almost half take phone calls and one in ten even go into the office. Blackberries and Smartphones are the main culprits for holiday work - over two-thirds of respondents who own one admit to checking them at least once a day, if not more.

“Gone are the days when people cut off contact with work for a fortnight over the summer and made a complete break,” said Penny de Valk, Chief Executive of the Institute of Leadership & Management. “While technology means that it is easier than ever to work remotely, it also makes it extremely hard to switch off. Uncertain economic times also mean that many UK employers are keeping one eye on their job at all times, when what they really need is time away from the office to rest and re-energise.”

Worryingly the survey also reveals that when employees go on leave, the stresses and strains of work do not disappear quickly, with half of the respondents admitting that it takes them at least two days to start to unwind, and one in ten saying that they need a week or more to fully relax.

The research results also suggest that holidays are not really hitting the spot when it comes to relieving stress, with 40% feeling more anxious when returning to work than before they went. Overflowing inboxes are a key factor, with 90% saying that they come back to a deluge of emails.

De Valk added: “It is a real concern that so many employees return to the office after annual leave feeling more stressed than when they left. This anxiety is almost certainly due to the high workloads we anticipate returning to, and the fear of what might be waiting for us when we get back. Everyone needs a decent break from time-to-time to recharge and regain a fresh perspective on life and work.”