Expedia’s annual Vacation Deprivation report says that most workers in Asia and North America aren’t taking off enough time from work, leaving vacation days they’re entitled to on the table. Europeans on the other hand, typically take all of theirs.
The study, conducted for Expedia by Northstar for the past 10 years, found that many workers in North America and parts of Asia feel guilt about time off and worry that their employers will be seen unfavorably by employers. U.S. and Canadian workers reported that on average they had earned 15 days of paid leave a year, but used on average 11 or 12, leaving about 375 million days behind.
Similar figures were reported for a number of Asian countries, including Korea, where workers typically take 8 of 15 days; Japan (10 of 20), Malaysia and Thailand. In Europe, by contrast, 30 days paid leave is well-established as a right, and tends to be used up completely; since everyone is doing it, it can’t cause trouble with an employer (who’s probably on a sunny coast, too).
For all the details of the report, click HERE; for an interesting analysis by Expedia’s head of communications, click HERE
Although many Europeans take their full entitlement of paid leave it’s often to cover such things as illness and family issues – taking kids to the emergency room – funerals – weddings and caring for others. Taking the car in for a service and repair. Visiting the Tax Office. Vacation time is a fraction of what’s left on the plate.