Almost every third German office worker is also available for the job during summer vacation. Overall, 31 percent of respondents said so in a survey by the survey institute YouGov. One in nine even wants to be available for work every day. Even among those surveyed who say that they cannot be reached for work, a good quarter check the official news at least once a week. More than 2,000 office workers in Germany were surveyed in mid-July.
A third of those surveyed felt stressed about being constantly available. 66 percent said they had trouble switching off while on vacation. The reasons given for constant availability included customer or employer expectations and important projects - but also personal motivation.
According to the survey, the stress level is also high for many before and after vacation. 45 percent said they were stressed just before summer vacation, 63 percent said their recovery lasted no more than a week after vacation ended.
"Flexible working must not result in employees being permanently available and unable to switch off at all," said Oliver Blüher from the technology company Slack, which commissioned the survey. Help and clear framework conditions are needed here from employers. "Companies are missing out on a great opportunity: Because only those who can really switch off on vacation or after work can come back to work with new strength and motivation."
