The majority of UK workers are suffering from the summer blues, according to a survey.
A poll by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) found 58% of UK workers thought they suffered from ‘Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder’ – leaving them de-motivated, unhappy and even close to quitting their jobs.
Of the 1,148 workers surveyed, 8% said they were more likely to call in sick during the summer months almost 20% said they spent their summer daydreaming out of the window while 7% look for another job.
Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder is a variation on Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is caused by a lack of access to natural light.
The survey also delved into how UK workers use their summer months at work, comparing and contrasting the experiences of different professions. With 13 weeks’ holiday a year, teachers are more likely to use the summer period for extended breaks with one in four using their time to take long holidays abroad – double the amount of most other professions.
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Graham Holley, chief executive of the TDA, said: “A teacher’s work is immensely rewarding but it is undeniably hard work during term-time. The six-week summer break is a well-deserved benefit offering time for relaxation as well as time to catch up.
“There are legions of people who could benefit not only from a competitive salary plus the unbeatable rewards of working with children, but also time in the summer months to recharge their batteries away from the work environment.”
