ADP Canada Co. is calling on employers in need of increased engagement from their workers and increased employee retention to encourage their workers to take their vacation time.
A survey of 811 workers conducted for the firm found that just 29 per cent used all of their vacation time in 2022, a two-percentage point increase over 2021 results, but well below 2019 figures when 48 per cent of respondents said the same.
As for the time that employees spend over and above their requisite work hours in order to take a vacation or to catch up post-vacation – ADP calls this time the “time off tax” – this number has dropped by one hour since the survey was last conducted.
“Those who clocked extra time to make up for a week off reported investing an average of 20 additional hours to prepare and return from their vacation,” ADP researchers write. “It is important for employers to acknowledge that vacation levels continue to fall below pre-pandemic levels and that external factors can impact Canadians’ ability to take time off,” they add. “Organizations that can help workers prioritize healthy work life habits may contribute to increasing engagement and employee retention levels.”
The survey also found that most working Canadians will not travel this holiday season. More than half, 56 per cent, said current inflation levels played a role in their holiday travel plans.
