Workers Lament Not Taking More Time Off

May 13, 2004 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - The biggest mistake while on vacation is not forgetting the sunscreen or staying at the Bates Motel, it is not taking enough time off.

More than four out of 10 workers (43%) said the biggest mistake they made with their last vacation was taking insufficient time off. Not surprisingly then was that second on the list of vacation blunders was workers not being able to get their mind off work, according to a survey conducted by administrative professionals staffing service OfficeTeam.

“Employees fearful of falling behind on projects or not seeming like team players often put off vacations or limit breaks to long weekends,” said Diane Domeyer, executive director of OfficeTeam. “Lean staffing levels in recent years have left many professionals with increased pressure at work, but this makes the need to recharge more vital than ever.”

When asked “Which one of the following was the biggest mistake you made when you took your last vacation from work?” the 571 respondents also noted their biggest holiday flubs as checking in with the office too much (8%) and not preparing or organizing work well prior to leaving (7%), with 25% responding something else or did not know.

To assist workers in getting away from it all, Domeyer said collaborating with coworkers can help staff members rest easy. “Inform colleagues of the status of key projects before you leave and designate a point person in your absence. Also, consider which tasks a temporary or project professional could assume.”

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