Unlimited vacation: The allure of endless summers

MENLO PARK, CA – Unlimited vacation seems like an enticing workplace benefit, but can it also boost productivity? Yes, new research from staffing firm The Creative Group suggests.

MENLO PARK, CA – Unlimited vacation seems like an enticing workplace benefit, but can it also boost productivity? Yes, new research from staffing firm The Creative Group suggests. Nearly four in 10 (39 percent) advertising and marketing executives interviewed believe office output would increase if employees could take time off whenever they wanted, as long as their performance didn’t suffer.

But while more companies may be offering liberal vacation policies in an attempt to attract and retain talent, it seems many professionals are hesitant to take advantage of the perk: A majority of executives (72 percent) and workers (56 percent) said the amount of vacation they would take would remain the same if there were no limit to their personal holidays.

“The idea of unlimited vacation time can be attractive and help staff feel more in control of their schedules. But, in reality, many employees have trouble breaking away from the office no matter what the official policy as deadlines need to be met,” said Diane Domeyer, executive director of The Creative Group. “Managers should lead by example, taking time off themselves and encouraging their staff to do the same. Hiring freelancers is one way to alleviate pressure on employees and ensure projects stay on track.”

Advertising and marketing executives and workers were asked, “If an unlimited vacation policy* were instituted at your company, what impact do you think it would have on staff productivity?” Their responses:

Executives Workers

Increase significantly 15% 18%
Increase somewhat 24% 21%
No change 43% 27%
Decrease somewhat 8% 15%
Decrease significantly 9% 16%
Don’t know/no answer 0% 4%
99%** 101%**

Executives and workers were also asked, “If your company instituted an unlimited vacation policy, do you think you would take โ€ฆ ?” Their responses:

Executives Workers

More time off 24% 38%
Less time off 4% 3%
Same amount of time off 72% 56%
Company already allows unlimited vacation time 0% 1%
Don’t know/no answer 0% 3%
100% 101%**

*Employees can take as much paid time off as they want, as long as their work gets done.

**Responses do not total 100 percent due to rounding.

“All professionals can benefit from taking periodic breaks from work.

A vacation — no matter how short or long — is essential for recharging and bringing a fresh approach to business projects and challenges,” added Domeyer.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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