Out of office? British managers reluctant to get away this summer

July 27 2009 , Written by thediversetraveller Published on #british managers, #Chartered Management Institute, #heavy workload, #holidayentitlement, #holidays, #summerholiday, #timeoff, #Travel News, #travel research, #wellbeing

Despite being half way through the year, research published by the Chartered Management Institute (CIM) today shows that four out of ten British managers have not yet booked any summer holiday.

You won't be surprised to learn that I have rarely needed any encouragement to take a holiday when I was in permanent employment. However, I worked with people who refused to take a holiday longer than a few days. I have never understood the 'fear' that kept these people at work.

The CIM found the most popular reasons given for staying in the office all summer:

20 per cent said that an excessive workload is to blame.
Against a backdrop of financial uncertainty and job insecurity, 33 per cent also said they would rather exchange their holiday entitlement for cash.

For those who do escape, being out of the office doesn’t necessarily mean leaving work behind.

20 per cent admitted to finding it hard to ‘let go’ and

72 per cent worried about colleagues, clients or deadlines while away.

Worry may also account for the fact 51 per cent continue to check work emails and 44 per cent access their voice mails, while on leave.

CMI’s Chief Executive Ruth Spellman explains: “It is understandable that a heavy workload and the prospect of returning to a large amount of emails and outstanding tasks can deter people from taking time off, but holiday has a positive impact on staff well-being and boosts productivity."

True that! I once went on holiday with someone who sent the daylight hours on the beach, but checking and responding to emails and calls from around the world. Yes, he told them he was on holiday, but since he did this each time he went on holiday, they acted, as did he, as if he was working from home. Needless to say, that relationship didn't last.

So, if you are work-addicted, what excuse are you giving your partners and / or family to avoid abandoning your loved ones - yes, I'm referring to those at work - over the Summer?

Note:- The CMI’s summer survey interviewed over 1,100 managers from across the UK about their holiday habits.

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