Nearly 4 out of 10 people still feel guilty about being online despite flexible policies
British employers lead Europe in workplace confidence, but workaholic Brits still struggle to switch off during holidays. SD Worx, the leading European provider of HR and payroll software solutions, has released new research that shows British companies are leaders in remote working but still struggle with a guilt culture around taking time off and flexible working.
The study, which included 5,625 HR professionals from 16 European countries and 16,000 employees, revealed:
- 4% of UK workers say that their employer trusts them in working responsibly and not abusing the autonomy of remote work.
- 6% of UK Employers say that they trust their employees’ ability to work independently
The data, however, also shows that despite the strong foundation of trust there is still a disconnect between policy-making and actual practice.
- 9% of UK workers admit to feeling guilty about taking time off.
- 4% of people say it is difficult to relax even when they are not working
Encourage meaningful rest
These findings are important for Bruce Fecheyr Lippens and Chief Human Resources Officer at SD Worx. They raise questions about how professionals today approach rest and recuperation – and employers can support this time away.
Fecheyr Lippens asked, “If elite athletes are taking complete breaks for recovery, why shouldn’t us?” We spoke to the women’s world number one cycling team SD Worx Protime recently. Each rider takes a 3-to-4-week break at the end their season. They come back stronger after a full period of rest. “Professionals should be encouraged in the same way.”
Fecheyr Lippens recommends a balance between work and holiday. “You can read an article about your industry that inspires you, or engage in a topical discussion with a new person on the beach. But the key is to give your mind space to recover from the day-today tasks.”
Building an environment of trust
Research also confirms that flexibility is key to building high-performing team. SD Worx, which encourages businesses in the hybrid or remote first models that are being adopted by many companies, encourages them to embrace summer work styles, whether they’re from a local café, garden or abroad.
As long as security protocols are followed, the company’s Workation policy permits employees to work in any country where SD Worx maintains an office. Fecheyr Lippens shares his approach to flexible hours: “Somedays over the summer, I might work from five in the morning until eight in the afternoon, and then take the remainder of the day off.” Finding a rhythm to support both output and well-being is key.
He adds, “If you allow flexibility, you will get responsibility.” When employees can choose where and how they work, their performance and morale increase.
Moving Beyond Presenteeism
The findings reflect wider cultural challenges surrounding presenteeism, and perceived availability. Fecheyr Lippens refers to the “Drama Triangle”, which is a framework developed by psychologist Stephen Karpman in 1960, and outlines how people can fall into the roles of victim, persecutor or rescuer when tensions arise at work.
It’s up individuals to break the cycle. “Society makes us feel like we have to be on all the time. Take your employer’s trust at face value. Give your 100% to your work, but also 100% during your breaks. Don’t feel bad about taking breaks. This is what sustainable performance looks.
He says that leadership is crucial in embedding cultures based on trust. If managers don’t live the values of autonomy and flexibility, they contribute to a toxic environment. People leave environments where they are watched and not supported.
Employers’ Guide for Summer
SD Worx encourages HR leaders as they look to the second half 2025.
- Reinforce flexible work frameworks by policy and practice
- Employees can take time off with no guilt
- Encourage managers to be flexible and trusting in their management style
- Create an environment where resting is seen as an enabler of performance, not a hindrance.
Fecheyr Lippens said that work and life do not have to be at odds. When organisations are able to build trust and be flexible, their employees thrive.
The international survey
SD Worx is the leading European HR service provider. We support both small and large companies with their payroll and HR challenges. SD Worx conducts regular in-depth survey to stay in touch both with employers and their employees. The latest ‘HR and Payroll Pulse Analysis’ offers organizations valuable insights into how to improve and future-proof HR and payroll strategies.
The SD Worx Research Institute conducted the survey in February 2025, across 16 European countries, including Belgium, Germany Finland, France Ireland, Italy Croatia, Netherlands, Norway Poland Romania, Serbia Slovenia Spain Sweden and the United Kingdom. The survey included a total of 5 625 employers and 16 000 employees. The results provide a comprehensive picture of each country’s labor market.
About SD Worx
SD Worx is a firm believer that success starts with people. Motivated employees do more than build successful organizations – they contribute to the society. SD Worx, together with its clients promotes HR policies that are beneficial to work, personal lives, and society.
SD Worx is a leading European provider of payroll and HR solutions. They offer software, services and expertise for payroll and reward, human resource management and workforce management. SD Worx has been a leader in Europe for over eight decades. It helps its clients, both large and smaller employers, boost employee engagement to drive success within their organizations.
SD Worx is trusted by approximately 95,000 organizations in Europe, both large and small. Around 10,000 employees work in 27 different countries. SD Worx processes salaries for approximately 6 million employees, and is ranked among the top five global companies. It achieved a revenue of EUR1.180billion in 2024.
Visit www.sdworx.com for more information or follow us on LinkedIn
The original HR News article British workers are the most trusted in Europe but their guilt prevents them from’switching on’ this summer.
