When I started working, I thought getting sick as soon as you go on vacation would be normal. It seemed to be for many years, and all around me. Maybe it should not be normal, but what is that all about? A comprehensive study by IU Internationale Hochschule (IU International University of Applied Sciences) sheds light on a phenomenon affecting a significant portion of the workforce in Germany. Known as “Leisure Sickness,” this condition manifests as physical and mental symptoms during weekends, holidays, or other periods of free time. The study explores its causes, prevalence, and the critical role of workplace stress, offering insights into how individuals and employers can address the issue.
What is Leisure Sickness?
Leisure Sickness refers to a range of symptoms that occur specifically when people have time off from work. Common signs include fatigue, headaches, irritability, cold-like symptoms, and even sleep disturbances. Physiologically, the condition is believed to result from a rapid drop in stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. Psychologically, it often stems from an inability to mentally detach from work.
IU’s health management expert, Prof. Dr. Stefanie André, explains that the body’s autonomic nervous system plays a critical role. “Chronic stress overactivates the sympathetic nervous system, temporarily suppressing illness symptoms. Once the stress subsides, suppressed ailments may emerge, presenting as symptoms of Leisure Sickness,” she notes.
Survey data and findings
The study involved 2,004 participants across Germany, aged 16 to 65, making it representative of the nation’s workforce in age and gender. Conducted over two weeks in early 2025, the survey gathered data on work routines, personal well-being, and symptoms of Leisure Sickness. The methodical approach strengthens its reliability and offers a credible basis for analyzing the interplay between stress and recovery among working professionals. While that might focus on Germany primarily, it should also serve as a realistic baseline for this effect in other regions around the globe.
According to the IU study, 71.9% of surveyed employees reported experiencing Leisure Sickness at least once, with 19.3% facing frequent or constant symptoms. The research identified fatigue and exhaustion as the most common indicators, followed closely by sleep issues, headaches, and cold symptoms.
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The study underscores the impact of work-related stress as a primary trigger. Key contributors include long working hours, high job demands, and poor managerial support. This stress particularly affects younger employees under 25, who often lack the resilience or coping mechanisms needed to recover effectively. Balancing the pressure of constant connectivity with personal well-being remains challenging for these individuals.
The role of employers in recovery
The study also highlights the importance of workplace intervention in combating Leisure Sickness. While 63.6% of employees believe their employers should actively promote mental health and recovery, only 46.8% felt they received adequate support. Many workplaces failed to effectively introduce stress management initiatives, wellness programs, or flexible working hours.
Prof. André emphasizes this responsibility: “Leisure Sickness shows how strongly mental fatigue connects with poor recovery competence. Businesses should focus not on restrictions but on fostering awareness, role models, and genuine spaces for rejuvenation.”
Practical recommendations to prevent Leisure Sickness
Both individuals and organizations can help address this condition. For individuals, the study advises setting firm boundaries between work and leisure. Engaging in a mix of active and passive relaxation activities, such as exercise and hobbies, can also support recovery. Techniques to lower stress, such as mindfulness or moderating digital connectivity, are also recommended.
Employers can help by creating cultures that support work-life balance. Flexible schedules, mental health training programs, and structured recovery breaks are actionable plans companies can implement to reduce stress. Encouraging leaders to model healthy disconnect habits, such as avoiding calls or emails during personal time, can further drive meaningful change.
Closing thoughts
The IU study brings valuable insights to light, focusing on the negative impact of stress-induced Leisure Sickness and practical ways to mitigate it. With active collaboration between employers and employees, the barriers to proper recovery can be reduced. Addressing this modern-day health concern is essential for individual well-being and fostering healthier, more productive workplaces.
YouTube: Warum du im Urlaub krank wirst | IU Studie Leisure Sickness | Research@IU (German with option for translated subtitles)
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Photo credit: The feature image is symbolic and has been done by Valerii Honcharuk. The portrait photo and the infographics have been done by the IU, but the latter have been machine translated for the international TechAcute audience. The portrait photo’s background was edited with AI to fit the TechAcute layout, the person in focus remains unchanged.
Source: IU press release (German language)
Editorial notice: The author has translated the German quote into English based on the press release. Although the original information was not written in English, it remains unchanged.
