French study links post‑vacation return to heightened employee mental‑health risks

A survey conducted by the consulting firm Reversens shows that more than half of French employees (52%) are unable to fully disconnect from work during their summer holidays. One‑quarter check their e‑mail occasionally, nearly 10% are regularly contacted by their employer, and 17% never achieve mental disconnection. Among those who have reported workplace harassment, 39% never manage to disconnect, compared with 12% of other workers.

The study also reveals that the post‑vacation period can expose underlying workplace issues: 30% of respondents say the break made them realize that conditions at work were abnormal, most frequently citing excessive pressure, unrealistic targets, and overload. A related commentary notes that despite widespread policies on the “right to disconnect,” many French workers still feel compelled to stay reachable, driven by cultural expectations of constant availability and fear of appearing replaceable.

These findings suggest that HR departments need to anticipate the mental‑health challenges associated with returning from leave and make support mechanisms more visible.