Holidays fail to refresh about 75% of workers

As millions of people head back to the office, the survey by government-backed body Investors in People said 59% were not very thrilled to be doing so.

However, 51% were determined to spend less time on the job, including 11% aiming to take a full hour lunch break.

About 2,000 workers in the UK aged 18 and over were interviewed by YouGov.

Almost 20% wanted to leave work on time and 21% simply decided to book another holiday.

A third of all employees considered changes to their work, either seeking a new project (19%) or looking for a new job (14%).

Misery on the first day back comes shortly after logging on, as a quarter said a full email inbox - or in-tray - would sour their return.

'Welcome back'

However, it was the simple things that could turn the day around, with 58% saying they just wanted their boss to show they cared, and 44% saying they would perk up if they heard a cheery "welcome back".

But for a gloomy one in eight, nothing their boss could do would erase the dark clouds.

The chief executive of Investors In People, Ruth Spellman, said: "Employers must take action before eagerness for change leads to a determination to leave.

"It's so clear that the simple steps count.

"It doesn't take much to say 'welcome back', and the research shows it could have a massive effect on motivation."

And for bosses hoping their staff would come back raring to go, there was more bad news.

Only 38% felt a holiday improved their work performance, while 52% said it had no effect on their input.