New survey reveals that 34 million days of holiday* were wasted in 2014 because British workers didn’t take their annual leave
With the holiday season now in full swing, over a quarter (26%) of British workers say they expect to forgo at least one day of their holiday allowance this year, according to new research* by Avios, the travel rewards currency. Some 15% of those claimed they’re likely to give up three days or more of their 2015 leave. This is an ongoing trend, with the research revealing that 34 million days of holiday were wasted last year. Other key findings from the Avios research reveal:
- Losing holiday is an ongoing trend, with a quarter (25%) of people claiming they didn’t take all of their allowance last year; the main reasons people gave for not taking their holiday were guilt (30%), stress (26%), and money (21%);
- Londoners are the most likely not to use their holiday (30%) and also the most likely to cancel their holiday once it’s booked – nearly a third (31%) of workers said they’ve had to do this in the past compared with a UK average of 22%;
- A fifth (20%) of those cancelled their holiday because they were too stressed or busy, 14% were made to cancel by their bosses and 10% said they didn’t want to burden others with the extra workload.
According to the research, cancelling holiday can have a significant effect on personal relationships, with 29% claiming the person they were going away with was very upset with them and 12% saying this person refused to go on holiday with them again.
Family psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos says of the research: It’s important to make sure we’re spending enough quality time with our loved ones – indeed, cancelling holiday because of work pressures doesn’t just ruin your relaxation time but can take away from that all important family and relaxation time that allows you to de-stress and reconnect with those around you. That’s why it’s important to encourage people to do more with their family and friends. Just taking one day off can make a big difference.
“Trying a new experience on our doorsteps or going away for a long weekend leaves us feeling refreshed and more motivated to achieve our goals when we return to work. Increasingly there seems to be a sort of competitive workaholism where people feel the need to prove that they are more productive the longer they spend at work. The fact is, that productivity is related much more with our sense of wellbeing so forgoing holiday time certainly doesn’t help. Businesses need to start making better provisions so people aren’t left feeling guilty for taking much deserved time off. ”
Avios, used for flights, hotel accommodation, car hire and a host of amazing days out and leisure experiences, is calling on the nation to do more with their time off and use their full holiday allowance before the end of the year.
Hannah Fletcher, Head of Customer Marketing at Avios, comments: “It’s surprising to see the number of people who aren’t making the most of their holiday entitlement. We shouldn’t feel guilty or stressed about taking holiday as we all deserve to take well-earned time off to enjoy doing the things we love with family and friends.
“That’s why Avios is encouraging people to make the most of their annual leave this summer. We’re asking the friends and family members of our collectors to persuade them to do more – whether it’s taking time out to relax on one of the many days out and experiences that can be enjoyed using Avios, or a longer break away.”
Meanwhile, the research also highlights that those who take time off don’t always use it as an opportunity to fully relax, with workers increasingly replacing ‘switching off’ with ‘switching on’. A whopping 89% check their email at least once every few days while they’re away and over half (59%) of workers admit they sometimes or always work while they’re on holiday, rising to two thirds (66%) in London.
Dr Linda Papadopoulos concludes: “People need to ensure time off is truly that. There are many ways to ensure holidays are relaxing but one of the easiest things to do is to take a break from our mobile phones or introduce a work email ban.” Avios has launched www.domorewithavios.com to help people do more with their Avios and holiday time together.
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