Three-quarters of workers across the UK are likely to suffer ill health during the Christmas holiday period, according to new research.

Of this proportion, more than a quarter (28 per cent) said sickness at this time of year is a common occurrence, a finding that could concern organisations trying to improve their employee absence management.

AXA PPP healthcare surveyed 2,000 employees and found that one of the key contributors to 'festive burnout' is an increase in workload.

Nearly seven out of ten (69 per cent) people said they have more to do in the pre-Christmas period, with the amount of work staff are expected to take on typically increasing by 30 per cent at this time.

The research suggested that job concerns are making it difficult for workers to enjoy the festive season, with a quarter (26 per cent) of respondents wishing they could remove Christmas from the calendar.

Two-thirds of employees think about work during the festive break and one in five (21 per cent) check calls and emails several times a day, according to the survey.

Forty-one per cent of respondents even said they feel relieved to return to their jobs after Christmas, so they can leave the chaotic holiday season behind and get up to speed with their work.

Dr Mark Winwood, AXA PPP healthcare's director of psychological services, said: "For many employees Christmas is full of stress and pressure and the chance to recharge their batteries is overshadowed by exhaustion and illness.

"Prior to the holidays, employers need to take precautionary steps to ensure that their employees get through this hectic period and come back firing on all cylinders in January."

The report encouraged employers to take steps to reduce the effects of 'festive burnout' on workers, such as offering support services for people struggling with stress and adopting a realistic attitude about what can and cannot be achieved.