Issues include returning to more work, still checking in on things while off
According to a new survey by staffing firm Accountemps, 52 per cent of Canadian professionals feel they don't have enough vacation time.
Among the reasons for the dissatisfaction include concern about returning to more work (38 per cent), checking into the office at least a few times while on vacation (36 per cent) and worry about colleagues having to take over their tasks (36 per cent).
Despite their concerns, the survey respondents said they plan to take an average of 11 vacation days this summer, and 30 per cent plan to take more vacation days than they did last year.
"The ability for professionals to completely disconnect from work, even while on vacation, is a growing challenge as a result of the accessibility offered by technology," said Dianne Hunnam-Jones, Canadian president of Accountemps.
"Workers need to recognize that taking the time to unplug is essential for their own well-being, allowing them the chance to return refreshed and better motivated."
The survey suggested managers cultivate a vacation-taking culture by making their own vacation time a priority, she adds, and encourage their employees to do the same.
"Empower your employees to avoid burnout by cultivating work-life balance through your own ability to disconnect and recharge."
The survey suggests employees can make taking their vacation days easier by planing ahead, assigning delegates, disconnecting from the office while away, and making a point of putting work-related worries aside while away.
Additional findings from the survey include 41 per cent of workers said their managers encourage them to take vacations; 52 per cent said their managers neither encourage nor discourage them; 58 per cent of women feel they don't have enough vacation time compared to 47 per cent of men; 43 per cent of workers ages 18 to 34 plan to take more vacation this summer compared to 21 per cent of professionals ages 35 to 54 and 24 per cent ages 55 and older; 42 per cent of men and 30 per cent of women check in with their office while on vacation; 40 per cent of workers ages 55 and older check in with the office at least once or twice a week while on their summer vacation compared to 39 per cent ages 35 to 54, and 30 per cent ages 18 to 34.
Among the reasons for the dissatisfaction include concern about returning to more work (38 per cent), checking into the office at least a few times while on vacation (36 per cent) and worry about colleagues having to take over their tasks (36 per cent).
Despite their concerns, the survey respondents said they plan to take an average of 11 vacation days this summer, and 30 per cent plan to take more vacation days than they did last year.
"The ability for professionals to completely disconnect from work, even while on vacation, is a growing challenge as a result of the accessibility offered by technology," said Dianne Hunnam-Jones, Canadian president of Accountemps.
"Workers need to recognize that taking the time to unplug is essential for their own well-being, allowing them the chance to return refreshed and better motivated."
The survey suggested managers cultivate a vacation-taking culture by making their own vacation time a priority, she adds, and encourage their employees to do the same.
"Empower your employees to avoid burnout by cultivating work-life balance through your own ability to disconnect and recharge."
The survey suggests employees can make taking their vacation days easier by planing ahead, assigning delegates, disconnecting from the office while away, and making a point of putting work-related worries aside while away.
Additional findings from the survey include 41 per cent of workers said their managers encourage them to take vacations; 52 per cent said their managers neither encourage nor discourage them; 58 per cent of women feel they don't have enough vacation time compared to 47 per cent of men; 43 per cent of workers ages 18 to 34 plan to take more vacation this summer compared to 21 per cent of professionals ages 35 to 54 and 24 per cent ages 55 and older; 42 per cent of men and 30 per cent of women check in with their office while on vacation; 40 per cent of workers ages 55 and older check in with the office at least once or twice a week while on their summer vacation compared to 39 per cent ages 35 to 54, and 30 per cent ages 18 to 34.
