by HRHQ Editorial Team
More than a third of Irish workers failed to use all their annual leave in 2024, according to the latest Annual Leave Report by FRS Recruitment. The survey, which polled nearly 2,000 employees across Ireland, found that 42% did not take full advantage of their holiday entitlements last year.
While this marks a slight improvement from the previous year, the findings still highlight a persistent issue in work-life balance. Notably, nearly one in four respondents admitted to skipping at least five days of leave—equivalent to a full working week. The report also revealed gender disparities, with 40% of men leaving holidays unused compared to 31% of women.
Reasons for taking leave varied, with domestic travel being the most common use, followed by foreign holidays. However, 25% of workers said the longest break they took was less than a week, suggesting many are not disconnecting fully from work.
Experts warn that unused leave can lead to burnout and reduced productivity. FRS Recruitment emphasised the importance of encouraging employees to take regular breaks to maintain mental and physical wellbeing.
As Ireland continues to navigate evolving workplace norms, this report serves as a reminder that time off isn’t just a perk—it’s a necessity. Employers may need to rethink how they promote and facilitate annual leave to ensure workers reap the full benefits of their entitlements.
