The annual Vacation Deprivation Survey shows Canadians are leaving millions of unused vacation days on the table each year – something that may be driving up costs for your plan sponsor clients
Each year, the Expedia.ca Vacation Deprivation Survey reveals the number of unused vacation days Canadians have accumulated; and this year, it is expected to reach almost 10 million days.
“For the past 13 years, the survey has uncovered an undeniable trend – Canadians are not living up to our friends across the pond when it comes to taking vacation,” said Christopher Day, senior marketing director for Expedia Canada. “Unsurprisingly, a staggering number of Canadians (53%) continue to consider themselves vacation deprived.”
Untaken days usually mean people are working longer hours and, in turn, wearing themselves down to the point where illness or injury can occur, says Jennifer Elia, AVP health and wellness at Sun Life Financial.
“At a time where Canadian employers are increasingly concerned with the cost impact of absence and ‘presenteeism,’ ensuring employees take that time to rest and recharge is more important than ever,” says Elia. “And while using vacation effectively is a means of preventing bigger issues, it’s up to leaders to set the tone, and follow through.”
According to this year's survey, Canadians will receive an average of 17 vacation days from employers – an increase of one additional day over 2014 – but will take only 15.5 of those days.
In fact, since the inception of the Vacation Deprivation Survey in 2003, Canadians have collectively left more than 350 million vacation days on the table, resulting in an overwhelming $53 billion in wages handed back to employers.
“Employees need to know that taking their vacation is not just allowed, but expected,” Elia told LHP.
For nearly a third of Canadians (32%) work schedules topped the list of reasons for leaving vacation days on the table, followed closely by saving for other obligations such as a house, tuition, or paying off debt (29%), and personal and family schedules ranked third at 24%. The survey also revealed that more than one million Canadians have not taken a vacation in over 15 years and more than 1.4 million Canadians have never been on a vacation in their lifetime.
"Over the years, we've noticed some recurring reasons as to why Canadians aren't taking full advantage of their allotted vacation time. Commonly, it's because things such as looking after family and focusing on their careers have taken priority," said Beverly Beuermann-King, stress and wellness expert, who has been associated with the program since 2003. "And, while investing in our jobs and families is important, so is investing in our physical and mental wellbeing. In fact, taking time off for yourself can often result in improved relationships with others and greater productivity."
“For the past 13 years, the survey has uncovered an undeniable trend – Canadians are not living up to our friends across the pond when it comes to taking vacation,” said Christopher Day, senior marketing director for Expedia Canada. “Unsurprisingly, a staggering number of Canadians (53%) continue to consider themselves vacation deprived.”
Untaken days usually mean people are working longer hours and, in turn, wearing themselves down to the point where illness or injury can occur, says Jennifer Elia, AVP health and wellness at Sun Life Financial.
“At a time where Canadian employers are increasingly concerned with the cost impact of absence and ‘presenteeism,’ ensuring employees take that time to rest and recharge is more important than ever,” says Elia. “And while using vacation effectively is a means of preventing bigger issues, it’s up to leaders to set the tone, and follow through.”
According to this year's survey, Canadians will receive an average of 17 vacation days from employers – an increase of one additional day over 2014 – but will take only 15.5 of those days.
In fact, since the inception of the Vacation Deprivation Survey in 2003, Canadians have collectively left more than 350 million vacation days on the table, resulting in an overwhelming $53 billion in wages handed back to employers.
“Employees need to know that taking their vacation is not just allowed, but expected,” Elia told LHP.
For nearly a third of Canadians (32%) work schedules topped the list of reasons for leaving vacation days on the table, followed closely by saving for other obligations such as a house, tuition, or paying off debt (29%), and personal and family schedules ranked third at 24%. The survey also revealed that more than one million Canadians have not taken a vacation in over 15 years and more than 1.4 million Canadians have never been on a vacation in their lifetime.
"Over the years, we've noticed some recurring reasons as to why Canadians aren't taking full advantage of their allotted vacation time. Commonly, it's because things such as looking after family and focusing on their careers have taken priority," said Beverly Beuermann-King, stress and wellness expert, who has been associated with the program since 2003. "And, while investing in our jobs and families is important, so is investing in our physical and mental wellbeing. In fact, taking time off for yourself can often result in improved relationships with others and greater productivity."
