Being on vacation no longer guarantees disconnecting from work.Despite recognized labor rights in Spain, such as the right to digital disconnection, a majority of workers continue to answer calls, emails, and messages outside of work hours, even during their breaks.
The most recent data from various surveys confirm this trend.63% of employees are unable to truly disconnect during vacation. Far from being a residual percentage, this figure has increased year after year, reflecting how the "always on" culture remains entrenched in the workplace.
Hyperconnectivity that takes its toll
Continuous exposure to work activity directly impacts mental healthAccording to an InfoJobs study, 42% of workers admit to having suffered psychological problems related to their work environment, and 28% say these are specifically due to the inability to disconnect. Work overload, coupled with the constant pressure to be available, triggers anxiety, insomnia, and chronic burnout.
This phenomenon has a name: “stresslaxing”This refers to the difficulty in relaxing without feeling anxious about pending tasks or potential work emergencies. Even without receiving notifications, many employees carry a mental load that prevents them from resting. This situation is exacerbated in professional profiles with high responsibilities or in sectors such as tourism, healthcare, or law, where availability is almost mandatory.
Those most affected: managers, young people and service sector workers
Digital disconnection does not affect all groups equally.Professionals in positions of responsibility face the greatest difficulties. 79% of senior managers and 72% of middle managers respond to work-related communications even while on vacation. The same is true for self-employed workers or professionals in sectors such as medicine, law, catering, or media.
The youngest also suffer especially from this reality.71,4% of millennials and 66,7% of Generation Z say they stay connected outside of work. Factors such as job insecurity, constant use of personal phones for professional purposes, and high competition increase the pressure to always be available.
Geographically, communities such as Madrid, Galicia and the Valencian Community are the most affected., with figures exceeding 67% of professionals connected outside of working hours.
Union demands and legal framework
Trade unions are demanding real implementation of the right to disconnect.The UGT and CCOO have submitted proposals to Congress to ensure that communications outside of working hours are prohibited by law, strengthening their integration into Occupational Risk Prevention regulations.
The problem also affects the public sectorProfessional associations such as the Seville Social Graduates Association have denounced that after-hours notifications from government agencies are violating fundamental rights. The new regulations on automated digital notifications could overwhelm offices if urgent changes are not made.
At the European level, the European Commission has also initiated consultation processes to legislate on digital disconnection and promote a fair teleworking model. This line of work responds to a growing concern about the consequences of digital transformation on labor rights.
How to improve rest and prevent burnout
Occupational health experts propose practical measures to regain control over digital connectivity.InfoJobs and other organizations recommend simple strategies, such as setting a fixed end-of-day time, separating personal and professional devices, silencing non-work notifications, or planning screen-free activities during vacations.
Digital disconnection should be part of a healthier work culture.Only a third of employees say their company implements policies to prevent hyperconnectivity. Promoting respect for rest, recognizing the dangers of "always on," and protecting leisure time are key steps to preventing emotional burnout.
Studies show that those who manage to disconnect sleep better, are more productive when they return, and have a better perception of their work. Disconnecting not only promotes well-being, but is also essential for maintaining long-term health and improving work performance.
In a society where being connected has become normalized even on the beach or in the mountains, learning to disconnect is more necessary than ever. Ensuring that free time is respected as a right should not depend on individual responsibility, but on a joint commitment between companies, legislators, and workers. Only in this way can we move toward a more humane, healthy, and balanced work model.
