Stressed person in workplace

Work stress and pressure “always” or “often” affected just over a third (34%) of UK workers last year, with 91% experiencing acute periods of both at at least one point.

That raises the risk of burnout, Mental Health UK says.

No wonder experts say we’re seeing a rise in “quiet cracking,” or a slow but certain disconnect from work that happens when employees are burnt out.

If that sounds like you, though, the “43 rule” – which sees workers optimise their annual leave to the best of its science-backed abilities – might help.

What is “the 43 rule”?

A 2025 paper published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that the benefits of holidays on our wellbeing last at least 21 days ― and maybe longer.

In fact, the researchers found, the positive effects might linger for as long as 43 days (holidays which combined time at home with time away seemed to give........

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