Survey Reveals Employees Can’t Disconnect During Time Off

What’s going on:      

74% of employees who were respondents in a Ceridian/Harris Poll stated that remote work has made it easier for them to take vacations. However, the same survey revealed that less than half of them, or 47%, said they can completely disconnect from work during their time off, according to CTV News.  

The official report also reveals that 70% of respondents planning a vacation cited economic factors such as high inflation as potential obstacles that may prevent this year’s summer vacation plans. 

Why it matters:         

This report sheds light on the need for some organizations to modernize work-life balance by addressing company policies. According to Ceridian, its “2023 Pulse of Talent report found a vast majority (87%) of employees report experiencing symptoms of burnout in the past year.” The inability to disconnect from work during vacations, as revealed in the Ceridian report, might exacerbate burnout and negatively impact employees’ mental and physical health.  

How it’ll impact the future:        

As remote work becomes more prevalent in the workforce, more companies might address the issue of employees not being able to disconnect from work during vacations. This may involve reevaluating company policies, setting clear expectations, and ensuring that employees have adequate coverage during their time off.  

Prioritizing employee mental health was one of the ten important shifts in 2023 that are transforming organizations, according to Global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company. Through more flexible policies, businesses have a greater opportunity of attracting and retaining top talent. Additionally, the use of technology to monitor and manage employee vacations might become increasingly important in preventing burnout and maintaining productivity in the future.