LONDON and MCLEAN, Va. - A newHilton Hotels & Resorts study reveals that 4.5 million people are losing more than six days of annual leave each year, due to reasons including being worried about losing their job or looking bad in front of their boss. One in 20 even admitted they take just half of the time off they are entitled to, saying that using every day of their annual leave is frowned upon in their workplace. These results show that Britain's workforce is suffering from Vacationitis - a condition coined earlier this year by Hilton and affecting those who fail to take enough time off from work. Hilton is encouraging employees to check their annual leave balance during "International Use it or Lose it Week", November 18 - 22, to combat this global epidemic.
The survey of 2,000 professionals, conducted by OnePoll in November 2013, found that, while the average Brit is entitled to 23 days of leave each year, 40 per cent rarely, or never, use their full allocation. Additional reasons for this lack of annual leave use include running out of time to use it, worrying about judgement from colleagues, juggling busy workloads and difficulties fitting around other workers' holidays. Fears about showing lack of commitment to the job, being made redundant or colleagues taking credit for their work were also cited as explanations for not taking leave.
Three in 10 surveyed admitted to spending a large chunk of their holiday worrying about their job and what their co-workers were saying about them, while 25 per cent have even called into the office whilst on annual leave to check for updates and ensure that everything is well in the workplace.
Behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings says, "With a lot of businesses stretched to capacity, it's worrying to see that many individuals are not taking all of the time off to which they're entitled. Britain's workforce should be encouraged to take regular time out to recharge their batteries. Taking a break from work and enjoying a holiday helps workers both mentally and physically, which really improves their productivity when they go back to work.
"Holidays are absolutely essential to our emotional well being, providing time away from everyday pressures and deadlines. Quality time spent with friends and family, rest and relaxation and a change of environment all contribute to positive health and happiness. Even if employees only take a few days off at a time, having that break from the office can really make a difference."
To encourage Britain's workforce to utilise their annual leave to maximum effect, Hilton is inviting stressed employees to visit the Hilton Urgent Vacation Care Centre:www.vacationcarecentre.hilton.
According to the survey, the top 10 reasons for not using one's full annual leave allocation are:
- Ran out of time to use it
- Too busy to take it all
- Didn't want to take that much time off work
- Too difficult to fit leave around other colleagues' workloads/meeting schedule
- No reason to take time off
- Too difficult to fit leave around other colleagues' time off
- Worried about losing their job
- Didn't feel like they should take it all
- Frowned upon in the workplace
- Worried about not looking committed to the job
Travellers can make the most of their Hilton Hotels & Resorts break with the Leisure Escapes package. Guests booking the Leisure Escapes package at participating resorts will receive a $50 daily on-property credit that they may use to play golf, enjoy lunch by the pool, unwind at the spa and more.**
*No purchase, donation or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win. Must be a resident of Canada (excluding Quebec), China, Costa Rica, Fiji, Germany, Guam, India, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, New Zealand, South Korea, U.K. and the U.S., who are the age of majority in entrant's jurisdiction of residence at time of entry, are eligible to enter. Starts November 18, 2013 at 12:00:01a.m.EST, and ends on December 31, 2013 at 11:59:59 p.m. EST. (15) total winners each receive two (2) Be My Guest Certificates each valid for one night of free lodging (one(1) standard room and corresponding taxes) at any Hilton Hotels & Resorts property worldwide. The approximate retail value (ARV) of each prize is $380.00USD. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Cure Vacationitis with Hilton sponsored by Hilton Worldwide. Void where prohibited. Additional terms, conditions & restrictions apply. See complete Official Rules at www.vacationcarecenter.hilton.
** Offer is subject to availability at participating Waldorf AstoriaTM Hotels & Resorts, Conrad® Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by HiltonTM and Embassy Suites Hotels. View a complete list of participating properties. Blackout dates, early departure fees, and deposit and cancellation restrictions may apply and vary by hotel. This offer is not applicable to existing reservations or group bookings, and may not be combined with other select promotions, discounts, or offers. Participating properties are subject to change without notice. To book room by phone, please call +1-800 HHONORS or view a global list of Hilton Worldwide Reservation centers. You must book the "Leisure Escapes" package or Plan Code "RPTVS1" or "TVS." $50 resort credit included can be used towards any on-property activity including dining, spa and golf. Hilton HHonors membership, earning of Points & Miles and redemption of points are subject to HHonorsTerms & Conditions.
