PHILADELPHIA, December 17 – Most employees failed to use all their vacation time in 2012, according to a survey by Right Management, the talent and career management expert within ManpowerGroup.
Seventy percent of respondents indicated that they did not take all the time due them, while just 30% said they had. The findings are consistent with those of a Right Management poll a year ago, where 70% reported not using all their vacation time in 2011.
“Such a reluctance to take all of one’s vacation is a sign of an intense, pressure filled workplace,” according to Monika Morrow, Senior Vice President Career Management at Right Management. “This is a trend that’s grown during the recession and we may in fact have a new norm, which would be unfortunate. However important devotion to the job may be, there has to be some balance and vacation is so important to one’s health and happiness.”
Morrow advised senior management not just to encourage employees to take their vacation, but also to be sure to take their own. “It’s the boss who sets the example and sends the message. And if the boss won’t take all of his or her vacation, then workers will pick up on that and may be inclined not to use all theirs. After all, vacation is essential for a healthy and productive workforce. For someone to skip a few days off may not be significant, but when each year it seems to become most employees doing so then something’s not right. Who could be surprised, in time, by unnecessary turnover, declining retention, higher absenteeism or more frequent health or safety claims?”
Right Management surveyed 703 workers throughout North America via an online poll that ran from November 15 to December 14.
About Right Management
Right Management is the global leader in talent and career management workforce solutions. As the workforce consulting experts within ManpowerGroup, the firm designs and delivers solutions to align talent strategy with business strategy. Expertise spans Talent Assessment, Leader Development, Organizational Effectiveness, Employee Engagement, and Workforce Transition and Outplacement. With offices in over 50 countries, Right Management partners with companies of all sizes – including more than 80% of the Fortune 500 – to help grow and engage their talent, increase productivity and optimize business performance.
