According to a recent Grow Therapy survey of 1,035 employed U.S. adults, almost one‑in‑two workers have either canceled a vacation outright or cut it short because work obligations interfered. The study, conducted online by research firm Centiment from July 1‑9, 2026, reveals that 48% of respondents reported such disruptions in the past year.
Why Vacations Are Being Sacrificed
Financial concerns and family responsibilities top the list of stressors that keep employees tethered to their jobs. Seventy percent of respondents said the cost of a trip caused financial stress, while a similar 68% felt pulled by obligations at home. These pressures leave little room for genuine rest.
Even before a trip begins, many workers feel heightened anxiety. Forty‑two percent said they were more stressed in the one‑to‑two weeks leading up to a vacation than during a typical workweek. Parents with children under 18 felt this most acutely—48% reported pre‑vacation stress compared with 36% of those without caregiving duties. Employees caring for aging or ill relatives reported comparable levels of anxiety.
Generational and Remote‑Work Differences
Generation Z workers (ages 18‑29) are the most likely to feel pre‑vacation stress, with 44% reporting heightened tension versus 33% of Gen X (ages 46‑61). This stress translates into behavior: 58% of Gen Z respondents said they had canceled or shortened a vacation in the past year, compared with 34% of Gen X.
Remote workers also face unique challenges. Contrary to the belief that remote work eases the ability to disconnect, 20% of remote employees said they felt significantly more stressed before a vacation, versus 12% of hybrid workers.
Staying Connected While Away
Even when time off is finally taken, many employees remain glued to their devices. Seventy‑four percent checked work messages at least once during their vacation, and 40% did so daily. Hybrid workers were the least likely to fully disconnect—85% checked messages at least once, compared with 71% of remote workers and 70% of in‑office staff.
Those who entered vacation already feeling very stressed were especially prone to constant connectivity: 49% of them checked work messages multiple times a day, versus only 10% of those who felt only somewhat less stressed.
Therapy and Other Coping Strategies
When asked about potential solutions, 68% of respondents said they would consider working with a therapist to address work‑related burnout, boundaries, and rest. Interest was highest among those who felt the most stress (55%) and surprisingly also among those who felt the least stress (40%). However, only 19% actually pursued therapy. Exercise (48%) and sleep (44%) remained the most common self‑help tactics.
Practical Steps for Better Rest
Mental‑health professionals stress the importance of setting clear boundaries before a vacation begins. Licensed clinical social worker Alexandra Pelazza advises, “Do not bring your work phone, Slack or email unless you have to. Set clear boundaries and a plan at work to support feelings of guilt. Taking time to unplug literally takes practice and exposure.”
Simply adding more vacation days is unlikely to solve the problem. Experts suggest that changing how employees approach paid time off—both before and during the break—will have a greater impact on true rest and productivity.
Key Takeaways
- 48% of surveyed workers canceled or shortened a vacation due to work demands.
- Financial stress (69%) and family obligations (68%) are the top contributors.
- Parents and caregivers feel the most pre‑vacation anxiety.
- Gen Z workers are the most likely to cut vacations short.
- Most employees stay connected to work while away, especially hybrid workers.
- Therapy is considered helpful, but few actually pursue it.
Understanding these trends can help employers, families, and individuals create healthier work‑life boundaries, ensuring that time off truly serves its purpose of rest and renewal.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
