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IN BRIEF
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At the crossroads of desires for back-to-school vacations and the realities of the office, the septembrists crystallize a form of diffuse bitterness: they leave when others return, benefit from milder rates and a calmer summer pace, while sometimes leaving their colleagues to follow up on major files. Between the image of skilled calendar strategists, suspicion of unfairness, and actual usefulness for the company in summer, this phenomenon — increasingly widespread — shakes up habits and sensitivities at work.
Numbers that shake up habits
The weight of September in vacation departures asserts itself: in 2024, nearly a third of French holidaymakers chose this month, a level similar to July and just behind August. This progression confirms a shift in practices, driven by savings, travel comfort, and still favorable weather. The trend, documented by many observers, is reflected in analyses dedicated to the rise of September vacations in France.
Between desire and suspicion of unfairness
Upon returning from summer, a persistent feeling sometimes sweeps through teams: the sense that septembrists are treating themselves to a second golden pause. Because they were not “seen” at work during the summer, because they already seem rested — sometimes even tanned — after a few long weekends or festivals, their staggered departure stirs envy among those diving back in. The perception of a “bonus” then fuels a subtle melody of reproaches more or less acknowledged.
The mechanics of bitterness in the office
In large platforms as well as in SMEs, a manager summarizes the annoyance: colleagues return, relaunch priorities, and discover that those who leave for back-to-school vacations will not be there for the landing. The cognitive load of resuming work is sometimes exacerbated, and the impression of imbalance settles in: “They leave when the effort increases.”
The “double effect” of the calm summer
A manager in accounting notes: activity decreases significantly in August, and teams operate at a lighter rhythm. For those who remain, summer in the office is often smoother, with fewer interruptions, fewer meetings, and stretched deadlines. The result: transitioning to leave in September seems like the art of optimizing win-win: working “gently” when managers are less present, then leaving when high season eases.
When September becomes a good plan
An assistant editor ironically summarizes this tacit pact: everyone knows that August is calm, and that September promises off-season escapes at better prices and without crowds. Those who master this choreography of time — discreet but seasoned profile — enter into a form of silent agreement with their colleagues: everyone plays their part, the bitterness remains muted.
Who are the septembrists?
The profiles of those who leave in September are often young, mobile, and especially child-free, thus freed from the constraints of school vacations. They are not “slackers,” on the contrary: they are frequently seen as competent, but decide based on budget, flexibility, and travel experience. This portrait is confirmed in analyses dedicated to the profile of septembrists.
An initially economic, then strategic choice
Initially, the motivation is often financial: traveling off-season is cheaper, accommodations are more available, sites are open but less crowded. Then, with experience, these travelers understand the organizational advantage: avoiding the “heat stroke” of the return. Over time, circumstances change: the arrival of children sometimes pushes them to the side of the “Julyists” and “Augustians”.
Changing rules, expanding horizons
There was a time when many companies imposed vacation windows, and closures in August remained the norm. Increased flexibility, the normalcy of air travel, and the appeal of stable destinations at the end of summer — from the Mediterranean to Asia — have reshuffled the cards. Going in September no longer means risking rain at all costs: it’s aiming for perfect light, mild temperatures, and less crowded flights.
Their forgotten utility
The septembrists also provide a discreet service: they “keep the shop running” while others rest. Their presence in summer avoids standoffs over vacation scheduling, maintains a thread of productivity and continuity, and reduces internal friction. Many managers acknowledge this collateral benefit, even if they fear staff shortages upon the September restart.
Why irritation persists despite everything
The bitterness arises from a temporal gap: some re-engage major files when others finally relax. This asymmetry creates a sense of unfairness, even more pronounced as the memory of peaceful summer days is still fresh. Without clear guidelines, productivity can suffer from these back-and-forths, and the suspicion of “opportunism” feeds off the recovery burden left to those present.
Concrete advantages that fuel temptation
Apart from prices, the promise of September lies in the quality of the experience: shorter waits, attentive hospitality, and pleasant weather. Travel industry players are not mistaken: some airlines target these travelers with dedicated offers, as demonstrated by campaigns that entice September departures, like those presented here: promotions designed to explore off-season.
Ideas and resources for traveling in September
To refine choices, one can draw inspiration from data on September vacations of the French, explore the typical profile of septembrists, and keep an eye on off-season offers provided by airlines, such as those mentioned here: attractive flights and fares in September.
