New research conducted by European HR and Payroll solutions specialist SD Worxsuggests UK employees are increasingly striving to achieve a better work-life balance.

The study found that more than four out of ten UK employees would be prepared to take unpaid leave in order to get more time off work. This was the highest figure of all the European countries that were surveyed with the exception of Sweden.

Interestingly, however, the research also shows the UK is home to a relatively large proportion of ‘workaholics’ with many people struggling to disconnect from the working world. For instance, just under a third of UK employees admitted they check their work while they should be offline and just over a third said they find it difficult to let go of workload while on holiday.

Commenting on the research findings, SD Worx UK HR Country Lead Colette Philp said, “People work to live, not live to work, and that’s why it’s so important businesses create a culture where personal time and annual leave is respected, and team members are encouraged to completely disconnect. This type of culture shows a company prioritises individual wellbeing and it can help prevent staff burnout.”