American Workers Are Not Using Vacation Time

Expedia’s annual Vacation Deprivation study finds:

• The average American took less than 12 vacation days last year
• That’s six fewer than the global average last year.
• It’s no surprise then that 59% of Americans admit to feeling vacation deprived.
• The past two years saw Americans embracing “workcations,” meaning they went to new destinations to work remotely.
• But that really wasn’t satisfying for many, with 61% saying they don’t look a them as “true” vacations.
• And while work flexibility is great, 54% of people say it makes it difficult to unplug while out of the office.
• In fact, while 78% of people prefer to be “unproductive” while they're away, 50% still bring their laptops, and 41% have even joined zoom calls while on a getaway. 

So, why aren’t people taking more vacation?

• Well, 52% say they feel guilty when co-workers have to cover for them.
• 44% even feel they must apologize or make excuses for being out of the office.
• This is despite the fact that 80% of people say their colleagues support them using their PTO.

 

But it’s possible things are going to change this year.

• Most working adults insist they plan to take an average of 14 days off this year.
• 44% of have already booked their next trip.
• 92% of those polled agree that vacations benefit their health and well-being. 

Source: Expedia