MONTREAL, July 14, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Although it's recognized that vacations are a time when workers can recharge their batteries and boost their future productivity, Quebecers are cutting back on their summer holidays. Of those who do take time off, two in five stay in contact with their office, which makes their return to work stressful. These figures are even more disturbing for 18-to-34-year olds, who take less time off, have trouble leaving their work behind, and are even more stressed out when they get back.
Less rest for Quebecers
The eighth edition of a CROP survey on Quebecers and summer holidays, carried out for the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés, shows an ominous trend ‒ Quebecers are taking fewer and shorter vacations. This summer, they plan to take an average of two weeks off, compared to 2.2 weeks in 2014 and 2.3 in 2013. In addition, more than one Quebecer in ten has no plans for any vacation at all this summer.
Vacations are good medicine
Workers need to take some time off each year to make sure they stay healthy. If we take enough time and the conditions are right, vacations give us an opportunity to "reboot" our energy. The survey indicates that one Quebecer in three noted a decrease in stress levels after the holidays. However, this figure should be higher.
Checking emails instead of checking out the beach, a far too frequent trend
Some 18% of employees return to work more stressed than before they left, even though there are a number of things they could do to prevent it. "Carefully planning your absence is an excellent way to prevent post-holiday stress. Also, cutting ties with the workplace while you're away allows you to relax and clear your mind so that you can return to work energized and productive," explains Alexandre Dumouchel, CHRP, Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés.
Despite it being common knowledge that we need time out from work, two in five employees report that they stay in touch with their workplace during their holidays. Not surprisingly, the survey findings indicate that these workers are more stressed than their co-workers when they return to the office. The main reasons for their inability to switch off are personal interest (61%), the inability to delegate (27%), the corporate culture (14%) and pressure from an immediate supervisor (9%).
Young people being left behind
You probably won't be seeing many young workers on the beach this summer. With an average of only 1.8 weeks, it's the 18-to-34 year olds who'll be taking the least time off.
They also say that they're more stressed when they get back. So it's no surpise to see that this age group is the one that maintains the most contact with the workplace during vacation time. More young workers say the impossibility to delegate is one reason for this trend. "Because they're less likely to be team leaders, it can be hard for young employees to delegate. However, co-workers and even a boss can lend a hand during their absence," points out Dumouchel.
Vacation management
Vacation management can be a real challenge for some organizations. However, sound planning can ensure that they can capitalize on absences and maintain performance. Here are a few practical tips:
- Set up a vacation calendar so that everyone has the chance to take their holidays, making sure that not all team members are away at the same time;
- To cover for absences and reap the benefits of an enthusiastic workforce, offer summer jobs or training periods to students who are eager to learn;
- Plan for knowledge transfer for positions that are crucial to the organization.
To learn more
For an interview with Alexandre Dumouchel, contact Noémie Ferland-Dorval at 514 879-1636, ext. 217.
View the complete results of the survey www.crha.li/1CAvkvZ and the HR summer kit www.portailrh.org/trousseRHestivale (in French only).
About the Ordre
With close to 10,000 members, the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés is the primary reference organization in HR management. It ensures the protection of the public and contributes to the advancement of its CHRP and CIRC members. Through its actions in the public arena, it plays a key influential role in the world of work in Quebec. The Ordre thus actively participates in maintaining a balance between organizational success and employee well being. To learn more, visit www.portailrh.org.
SOURCE Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés
Noémie Ferland-Dorval, Communications Consultant, 514 879-1636, ext. 217/514 476-4918 (cell phone), [email protected]
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