Digital working life has changed how traditional holidays are experienced, with smartphones and emails making full disconnection from work difficult. Only 15% of survey respondents could disconnect completely during holidays, while almost half checked emails at least weekly, and 25% checked daily. Entrepreneurs were notably more active in checking emails than other groups. Male respondents were more likely to read or reply to work messages during holidays than female respondents. Additionally, over half would interrupt holidays for work emergencies, with some willing to work significant hours while on vacation.
Mikko Uotila, country director for SD Worx in Finland, said the shift reflects the impact of digital working life on traditional rest periods. "Smartphones and email have made full disconnection almost impossible. Even checking emails once or twice a week means work is always present," Uotila said. Only 15 percent of respondents reported being able to fully disconnect from work during holidays. Nearly half said they checked emails at least once a week while on leave.
Entrepreneurs were the most active, with over half saying they checked emails every day. Although most spent short periods doing so, their total email time was higher than other professional groups. Gender differences appeared minor but noticeable. About 90 percent of male respondents said they read or replied to work messages at least occasionally during holidays.
The survey also asked whether workers would interrupt their holidays for a workplace emergency. More than half said they would. Around 14 percent said they would be willing to work over three hours a day during their vacation if needed.
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