India is the fourth most vacation-deprived nation globally, reveals a survey. People blame increased work pressure and their inability to be away from office for longer periods
The year 2014 might have begun on a cheerful note glorifying so many weekends that fell around festivals, resulting in more holiday packages being booked, but the fact of the matter is that most of the Indians remained deprived throughout the year. According to the latest survey, India is the fourth most vacation-deprived nation globally.
The 2014 Vacation Deprivation, released by Expedia, highlights that 67 per cent of Indian respondents feel very or somewhat vacation deprived. Sixty four per cent people say their vacation deprivation stems from not getting enough vacation days, while 36 per cent say their deprivation stems from not taking all of their vacation days. Due to increased work pressure and the inability to be away from work for longer periods, Indians are increasingly choosing to take multiple short vacations than a longer one and disconnect with work. So while Indians are among the most eager to plan their next vacation immediately after returning from vacation, 50 per cent of them typically use their vacation days on several shorter trip, while only 26 per cent say they typically use their days on one long trip.
This survey was conducted online from August 25-September 17, across North America, Europe, South America and Asia Pacific using the Kantar-owned GMI (Global Market Insite) and lightspeed Research amalgamated group of panels. Indians receive an average of 19.6 vacation days from their employer each year.
They take an average of 15.5 vacation days, with over half (52 per cent) taking fewer days then they receive, the survey showed.
Other reasons for not using all of their vacation time include wanting to bank their days for one longer vacation next year (23 per cent), the ability to get money in exchange for unused vacation days (22 per cent) and difficulty coordinating a time that works for spouse, partner, family members, among others (21 per cent).
No advance planning!
While 40 per cent of respondents say they cannot plan vacation in advance due to their work, 32 per cent cited work demands of their spouse and family members. Indians globally second highest in cancelling vacation due to work after Thailand.
What’s your vacation typeIJ
For 11 per cent of Indians, their vacation days are typically tied to weddings or family obligations, while seven per cent use their vacation days to extend work trips to include vacation, both highest globally. Indians are less likely than their global counterparts to spend their vacation days taking care of errands or projects around the house. “Vacations play an important role in maintaining the work life balance, and general well-being of the employees while re-energising them to be more focused at work. According to the survey, Indians are globally highest at feeling more focused at work after a vacation. In fact, 24 per cent of respondents strongly agree the chance for more vacation days would motivate them to change jobs,” said Vikram Malhi, MD, Asia, Expedia.
Gurpreet Kaur, a 26-year-old MNC employee says she couldn’t take a leave even for a day for consecutive four months expecting a salary hike. “They were making assessments on the basis of regularity. I didn’t take an off just to maintain a good track record. That’s another thing I didn’t get an expected raise in remuneration.”
Kaur joins several others who were vacation deprived this year. Manju Singh, who works with a radio station, shares how her attendance was mandatory during all the festivals. “It was so difficult to plan weekend getaways in advance. My boss rejected two leave pleas,” she says.