Improve work performance by taking time off work

Latest IPSE research has shown that contractors can help to improve their work performance and well-being, simply by taking time off work.

According to the findings, 63% of contractors believe taking holiday increases their work performance in some way.

Worryingly, there are many contractors who are not taking the R&R they need when they do take holiday. For example, four out of five (78%) admitted to working while on holiday. Over half (58%) said they reply to work emails while away and more than a third (37%) said they take work calls while away. Twenty-eight per cent even work remotely while on holiday.

To help more freelancers take more time off and improve their wellbeing and their business performance, IPSE developed a range of recommendations for government and industry:

1. Introduce fair Shared Parental Leave (SPL) and parental pay for the self-employed, so freelancers can take the leave they need when they have children.
2. Improve access to savings or private insurance to cover for sick days.
3. Make training for the self-employed easier to access, so freelancers feel more able to take time off for this.
4. End late payment to stop freelancers having to chase clients during their leave.
5. Raise awareness of the importance of freelancers taking time off.

Chloé Jepps, IPSE’s Head of Research, commented, “What’s clear from this research is that there is a real business case for freelancers taking more holiday. Two-thirds of freelancers say taking time away from their work actually improves it. It’s a sharp rebuttal to the idea that never stopping and being ‘always on’ is more productive.

“Freelancers must be encouraged to take more time off not only for their businesses’ sake, but also for the sake of their wellbeing and personal lives. Our research clearly shows that taking more leave helps freelancers combat stress and anxiety – and build up their personal relationships.

To find out more about contracting please contact Jaime on 01442 795 100 or email jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.