Quebec workers' vacation time too short for rejuvenation: Results of a
CROP-CRHA survey

MONTREAL, June 21 /CNW Telbec/ - According to a CROP survey conducted in May for the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés, Quebec workers aren't given enough vacation time to be regenerated.

A large proportion of workers (42%) reported that they don't get enough time off during the year to recharge their batteries.

"This finding should cause us to reflect, especially when we consider that stress-related health problems are on the rise. Vacation time allows us to step back and recharge our batteries, and reduces absenteeism while increasing productivity," said Florent Francoeur, CHRP, Ordre president and CEO.

Most workers prefer paid time off for overtime work

The CROP-CRHA survey also addressed the issue of overtime payment. Most workers (55%) who were asked whether they favoured paid time off or payment for overtime work said they preferred the first option. Paid time off was also preferred among 65% of respondents aged 35 to 54 years.

Trouble disconnecting

This year, 65% of Quebec workers expect to take up to two weeks' vacation time, and 15% will take three weeks.

Eight percent of respondents do not expect to take any vacation time this year. This figure increases to 22% for workers in Quebec City.

Among those who don't expect to take time off this summer, 80% would rather be paid than to take additional time off to decompress.

"It's a known fact that in many companies, some employees have trouble disconnecting from work. It's important to be aware of such situations and encourage these employees to set reasonable limits for works; otherwise, they may be candidates for burn-out," said Francoeur.

To learn more

The findings of the CROP-CRHA survey are available at www.portailrh.org/presse (in French only).

About the Ordre

The Ordre des conseillers en resources humaines agréés is the primary reference organization in its field in Quebec. It has a membership of more than 10,000 professionals, candidates and students, including 5,600 CHRPs and 2,400 CIRCs. It is the only human resources organization devoted to the protection of the public authorized by the Professional Code to confer these professional designations.

Active in all sectors, CHRPs and CIRCs contribute to the development and maintenance of a healthy working atmosphere and a safe, efficient organizational environment that respects the uniqueness of each and every employee. They also represent employers and employees in various areas of HR management, from labour relations, to staffing, training, occupational health and safety, organizational development and compensation.

For further information: Caroline Soulas, Communications coordinator, Telephone: [phone], ext. 224, [email protected]