Americans commonly use their paid time off for vacations or to prioritize their health and well-being. However, many individuals feel guilty when they take time off and anticipate the overwhelming workload that awaits them upon their return.
A survey conducted in May 2024 by the Harris Poll revealed that 66% of American workers dread the backlog of tasks waiting for them when they come back to work. Nearly half of employees also admit to experiencing feelings of guilt for utilizing their allotted vacation days.
Unfortunately, some individuals struggle to fully disconnect from work during their time off. The survey indicated that 86% of workers would check emails from their employer while on vacation, with 56% even taking work-related calls. Additionally, accessing the paid time off that companies provide is not always easy for employees.
The Harris Poll highlighted that 78% of Americans do not utilize all their available paid time off within a year, despite 75% expressing a desire to take all their allotted days. The primary reasons cited for not taking time off include pressure to always be available and the burden of a heavy workload.
Furthermore, some individuals feel compelled to create the illusion of working even when they are not. For example, 30% schedule emails to send outside of regular working hours to appear active, while 31% move their mouse at work to keep their computer system’s messaging function active.
Half of the surveyed workers stated that they believe taking time off is a luxury they cannot afford, particularly those earning less than $50,000 annually. Additionally, data from March 2023 from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that 80% of employees have access to paid sick leave, 77% receive paid vacations, and 79% enjoy paid holidays.
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