Paid time off is meant to recharge workers, but for many U.S. professionals, it comes with its own form of stress. A new survey from global talent solutions provider Robert Walters reveals that 74% of U.S. professionals experience anxiety when returning from PTO, with two-thirds admitting to checking work emails during vacation to ease the transition back.
The findings highlight the growing trend of “PTO anxiety,” where employees struggle to disconnect due to fears of falling behind or missing critical updates. “Professionals suffering from PTO anxiety not only threaten to lower already historically low engagement rates, but our research suggests that it could have major implications for productivity rates for workplaces across the country,” said Sean Puddle, Managing Director of Robert Walters North America.
Email Firefighting and the Fear of Falling Behind
Sixty-six percent of respondents said they monitor their inbox during PTO to manage the backlog awaiting their return, while 28% do so to stay on top of urgent matters. The rise of workplace communication tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams has made it even easier — and more tempting — to “check in” while officially off-duty.
Back-to-work anxiety is also pervasive. Only 22% of professionals feel refreshed after a long holiday. Puddle notes that fears about missed projects, heavier workloads, or major updates often overshadow the restorative purpose of PTO.
This has led to what the report calls FOFB — the “fear of falling behind.” Nearly half of respondents (46%) say they relax more easily on vacation if their team is also away.
Possible Solutions: Collective Leave and Cultural Shifts
In parts of Europe, summer shutdowns are common, with businesses closing for weeks at a time. While 53% of U.S. professionals expressed interest in trying fixed leave periods, concerns remain about flexibility and disruption.
Puddle stresses that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, he recommends measures such as flexible leave policies, mandatory handovers, clear out-of-office communication, and a company culture that truly supports the right to disconnect.
“Business operations won’t halt just because someone is on holiday,” Puddle said. “Employers must reinforce and value the right to switch off, so staff return refreshed, engaged, and ready to perform.”