The Allure Of Endless Summers
Managers and Workers See an Upside to an Unlimited Vacation Policy, But Most Wouldn't Take Advantage of the Perk
MENLO PARK, Calif., July 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Unlimited vacation seems like an enticing workplace benefit, but can it also boost productivity? Yes, new research from staffing firm The Creative Group suggests. Nearly four in 10 (39 percent) advertising and marketing executives interviewed believe office output would increase if employees could take time off whenever they wanted, as long as their performance didn't suffer.
But while more companies may be offering liberal vacation policies in an attempt to attract and retain talent, it seems many professionals are hesitant to take advantage of the perk: A majority of executives (72 percent) and workers (56 percent) said the amount of vacation they would take would remain the same if there were no limit to their personal holidays.
View an infographic of the survey findings.
"The idea of unlimited vacation time can be attractive and help staff feel more in control of their schedules. But, in reality, many employees have trouble breaking away from the office no matter what the official policy as deadlines need to be met," said Diane Domeyer, executive director of The Creative Group. "Managers should lead by example, taking time off themselves and encouraging their staff to do the same. Hiring freelancers is one way to alleviate pressure on employees and ensure projects stay on track."
Advertising and marketing executives and workers were asked, "If an unlimited vacation policy* were instituted at your company, what impact do you think it would have on staff productivity?" Their responses:
| Executives |
Workers |
|
| Increase significantly |
15% |
18% |
| Increase somewhat |
24% |
21% |
| No change |
43% |
27% |
| Decrease somewhat |
8% |
15% |
| Decrease significantly |
9% |
16% |
| Don't know/no answer |
0% |
4% |
| 99%** |
101%** |
Executives and workers were also asked, "If your company instituted an unlimited vacation policy, do you think you would take … ?" Their responses:
| Executives |
Workers |
|
| More time off |
24% |
38% |
| Less time off |
4% |
3% |
| Same amount of time off |
72% |
56% |
| Company already allows unlimited vacation time |
0% |
1% |
| Don't know/no answer |
0% |
3% |
| 100% |
101%** |
*Employees can take as much paid time off as they want, as long as their work gets done.
**Responses do not total 100 percent due to rounding.
"All professionals can benefit from taking periodic breaks from work. A vacation -- no matter how short or long -- is essential for recharging and bringing a fresh approach to business projects and challenges," added Domeyer.
For tips on building in more vacation time this summer, visit The Creative Group Blog.
About the Research
The surveys were developed by The Creative Group and conducted by an independent research firm. They include responses from more than 400 U.S. advertising and marketing executives, and 430 U.S. workers 18 years or older and employed in office environments.
About The Creative Group
The Creative Group (TCG) specializes in placing a range of highly skilled interactive, design, marketing, advertising and public relations professionals with a variety of firms on a project, contract-to-hire and full-time basis. More information, including online job-hunting services, candidate portfolios and TCG's blog, can be found at creativegroup.com.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150717/237955-INFO
SOURCE The Creative Group
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