Seven out of ten Swiss people work while on vacation
A recent survey by the job platform Indeed shows that nearly 70 percent of the working population in Switzerland is available or active professionally while on vacation. At the same time, for many, the vacation season becomes a time for professional reflection—with tangible consequences.
Summer, sunshine, work emails: For many employees in Switzerland, work remains a constant even during vacation. A recent Appinio survey by the job platform Indeed A survey of 500 working people in Switzerland shows that nearly seven out of ten respondents (69.6 percent) work or respond to work-related messages while on vacation. At the same time, for many, this free time becomes a moment for reflection—with concrete consequences for their professional future.
Vacation as a Catalyst for Professional Reflection
39.8 percent of respondents say they think more deeply about their professional situation while on vacation or afterward than during their normal workday; 9.8 percent even say «significantly more.» The concerns that occupy Swiss people’s minds range from long-term job security (21.8 percent) to potential continuing education (20.4 percent) and a job change within the industry (17.2 percent), all the way to a complete career change (15.8 percent). Overall, more than one in two people think about at least one of these issues while on vacation—only 28.6 percent say they haven’t given any of them any thought.
For many, it doesn’t stop at just thinking about it. Of those who considered a career change while on vacation, the majority have already taken concrete steps: 46.2 percent have gathered information and researched job openings, 24.5 percent have updated their application materials, 19.6 percent have already applied or had initial interviews—and 16.1 percent have even landed a new job. Only 10.5 percent have so far stopped at mere speculation.
The majority remains available for work
Of the respondents who work while on vacation, 17.4 percent do so regularly, 34.8 percent occasionally, and 17.4 percent only in exceptional cases. In contrast, 30.4 percent completely disconnect. The pressure doesn’t always come from outside: While 42.5 percent of those who were reachable were contacted directly, 69.8 percent felt a general obligation to be reachable. Respondents cited the following reasons: a lack of coverage arrangements (17.8 percent), expectations from supervisors (15.2 percent), feeling guilty toward colleagues (12.9 percent), or concern about falling behind at work (12.4 percent). For 19.3 percent, personal motivation is the main factor: they work while on vacation because they generally enjoy doing so.
Economic uncertainty increases accessibility
The tense economic situation—driven by concerns about the economy, job cuts, and debates over AI—is also taking its toll: As a result, 31 percent of respondents are more often reachable while on vacation than they used to be, while 8.2 percent are making a conscious effort to disconnect precisely because of this. For 60.8 percent, the situation has not changed their vacation habits. The consequences for relaxation are noticeable: Only 54 percent felt truly refreshed after their last vacation, 42.2 percent only partially, and 3.8 percent not at all.
Dr. Stefanie Bickert, a job and career expert at Indeed, comments on the findings: «Vacation creates distance from everyday life, and thus provides the space to reflect on one’s own professional situation. It’s hardly surprising that so many employees use this time to ponder fundamental questions. What is striking, however, is that these reflections occur significantly more often among those who remain connected to work while on vacation. Especially in Switzerland, where a particularly large number of people are reachable even during their vacations, employees experience firsthand how difficult it is to maintain the boundary between work and leisure. For companies, this is an important signal: rest and employee retention are closely linked. Effective coverage arrangements and a corporate culture that does not tacitly assume employees will be reachable while on vacation are not only a sign of good leadership but also the foundation for long-term performance. »People who return from vacation well-rested are demonstrably more focused, committed, and creative.”
For the survey, the market research firm Appinio, on behalf of Indeed, surveyed a total of 500 working individuals in Switzerland between June 30 and July 21, 2026.
More information: https://www.indeed.com/ch
