Benefits February 19, 2002

Playtime Means Better Worktime

February 19, 2002 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Taking occasional time off from work makes most people more productive, a new study finds.

Reported by

Fred Schneyer

According to the study commissioned by software developer Xylo, the majority of this year’s sample said vacation benefits translate into better office production – a slight uptick from the 2001 study, according to a company release.

Despite the slumping economy, the study found that more workers are being good to their word and planning vacations this year. More than three in four are planning to take time off in the upcoming year, compared to 70% in 2001.

A little over 70% of workers also believe that they will travel during their time off, an 8% increase from last year.

Some 94% feel that time away from work makes them better employees, with 70% reporting that it makes them feel a lot more productive – a slight increase from 65% last year.

Singles are more likely than married workers to say that time off makes them a lot more productive – some 78% versus 66%.

The Xylo Report is a national survey on work/life issues conducted six times yearly by Wirthlin Worldwide for Xylo. Wirthlin contacted 1,003 adults in January 2002.