Charity sector workers are taking less of their annual leave entitlement over the last 12 months than the previous year prompting fears around their emotional wellbeing and risk of burnout, according to latest research.

The analysis of 3,000 workplaces across all sectors found there had been a 6.04% drop in annual leave taken per charity sector employee between 2023/24 and 2022/2023.

The figures have been revealed by human resources firm Access People, which says that time off is vital for staff members’ mental health, motivation and job satisfaction.

But too often employers are struggling with staff shortages and increased workloads “which has made it difficult for employees to use their full annual leave entitlement”.

The threat of burnout is among risks that can be exacerbated by staff not taking their full annual leave entitlement, Access People warns.

Stress, anxiety, low job satisfaction, lack of motivation, an unhealthy work-life balance, reduced creativity, increased sick leave and difficulty maintaining personal relationships are among other risks workers face by not taking a break from work.

On average charity sector employees took 40 annual leave days over 2023/24, down from 43 the previous year.

The drop in annual leave entitlement being taken in the charity sector is part of a national decline across all sectors. Sector wide annual leave has dropped by 7.6% in the last year and by 12% since 2020.

“Workers across the UK are under a great deal of pressure with rising household expenses, work-related stress and personal commitments,” said Access People managing director Charles Butterworth.

“It’s more important than ever that people take time off to rest and recharge – so that they can come back stronger.

“But taking holidays should never feel like it’s part of the job. As revealed in the report, the number of employees taking their full annual leave entitlement has declined in all industries.

There could be many reasons for this, like poor planning, anxiety about falling behind, or a heavy workload. Ultimately, it’s our duty as employers to help our teams book time off, whether this is through regular reminders or implementing a simple and efficient booking system.”

He urges employers “to take action and investigate why employees are reluctant to take time off, so that they can put strategies in place to support them”.

In November last year research by HR firm Personio Foundation found that two in give charity workforces are blighted by overwork and presenteeism, where employees work despite being ill.

This also found that almost a quarter of charities are reporting high levels of burnout as charities struggle to fill vacancies and tackle increasing demand for their services.

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