According to the Dutch Association of Professional Organizers (NBPO) Holiday Stress survey, 40% of working Dutch professionals experience stress in the lead-up to their vacations. This figure rises significantly among young parents with children at home. Nearly one-third report chaotic handovers or no handover at all, leading many to check emails or take calls while away. Workers over 35 and those with kids at home (49%) often carve out dedicated time before departure for preparations and packing.
Sixty percent of respondents always have a smooth work handover. Holiday stress is far more prevalent among those with poor or no transitions. To depart calmly and ensure continuity, to-do lists and thorough planning are top strategies. A quarter share handover documents with colleagues or avoid scheduling meetings on their last day to wrap up tasks. Overall, 60% work overtime pre-vacation—rising to 73% for those feeling stressed and 74% for those without smooth handovers.
More than half of professionals successfully disconnect during holidays, truly unwinding. Two-thirds activate out-of-office replies upon leaving, directing queries to colleagues and noting their return date. Some include a contact number for urgencies (14%), while 16% skip it altogether. Over half (55%) avoid emails entirely; 25% check sporadically via WiFi, and 21% do so regularly. Those with holiday stress or handover issues struggle more to unplug.
Seven Expert Tips from NBPO to Banish Holiday Stress and Sustain That Vacation Glow
1. Clear your last pre-vacation day of all appointments.
2. Draw a literal line on your to-do list: what gets done before, and what waits until after.
3. Set your out-of-office a day early and disable it a day post-return.
4. Specify in your reply if emails are unread and whom to contact for urgent matters.
5. Agree on boundaries with colleagues, family, and partners regarding accessibility.
6. Instruct colleagues to text before calling for urgent issues.
7. Extend favorite holiday habits—like family dinners or evening walks—for at least two weeks after returning.
