The long-awaited, well-deserved holiday season has finally arrived for millions of employees. However, after months of non-stop work, truly unplugging can become incredibly difficult. Modern workplaces demand a state of constant mental availability. Driven by rapid technological advances, we find ourselves endlessly tied to work through group chats, social media, and e-mails, making total disconnection a challenge. This technological complexity is also associated with greater emotional exhaustion at work and in our personal lives.

Along with daily and weekly breaks between shifts, annual leave periods are designed to be one of the most effective tools for essential rest and recovery.

Research consistently shows that time away from work can improve wellbeing, reduce exhaustion and support recovery. It actively lowers stress, improves sleep quality, and reduces the risk of chronic illness. The stakes are incredibly high: according to estimates by the International Labour Organization, over 840,000 people die annually from health conditions tied to psychosocial risks, including, among other, long working hours, excessive demands, and poor shift scheduling.

The elusive work-life balance

Switching off from work is not easy, and a change of location is often not enough. Whether we travel or remain at home, unfinished tasks can continue to occupy our attention. We may feel anxious about what has been left open or compelled to finish everything before leaving. These experiences form part of an ongoing research project at the University of Zurich’s Center for........

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