Y’all Kept on Working…

Only one-third of employees used all vacation time in 2009

Sixty-seven percent of employees did not take all of their vacation time in 2009, according to a survey by Right Management. Right Management is the talent and career management firm within Manpower, an employment services company.

In December, Right Management surveyed 501 employed individuals throughout North America via an online poll and asked, “Have you used all of your vacation time this year?” The results were:

“Pent-up fears of job insecurity and pressure to do more amid streamlined operations may have been reasons many skipped taking all their vacation time.”

“Vacation is an earned employee benefit and has a direct impact on work/life balance and overall productivity,” said Bram Lowsky, General Manager at Right Management. “Pent-up fears of job insecurity and pressure to do more amid streamlined operations may have been reasons many skipped taking all their vacation time.”

The physical and psychological conditions in which people work have a real impact on performance. They affect turnover and retention, absenteeism, health claims, workplace safety and a host of other workplace issues. Using vacation time is critical to staying well and productive.

Lowsky advises people to use their allocated vacation. “Not taking time off can increase stress and create health issues, which interfere with work. Conversely, a good vacation can boost creativity and overall energy that translates into better performance.”