The idea of vacations just keeps evolving.
Initially defined as a jaunt to Paris, a week on a sun-soaked beach or a family road trip to anywhere, the ravages of the global financial crisis drastically changed the way workers looked at vacations. While still willing to take the time off, worries over job security and personal finance kept workers closer to home and served as a midwife to the newest form of workplace reprieve, the “staycation”. Gardening and Bloody Caesars replaced beaches and Mai Tais, and calls to travel agents dropped off precipitously.
Despite the lack of actual travel, people were nonetheless using the time to relax, recharge and enjoy themselves. But according to a new poll, the latest vacation activity has little to do with leisure and everything to do with climbing the corporate ladder.
Monster.com’s latest online survey of 1,160 U.S. workers indicates that 70% of respondents are using vacation time to update their resume and search for a new job. Only 18% are planning to travel while 12% will enjoy a staycation.
When asked if they ever feel guilty about taking vacation or a sick day, nearly 60% said no, while 39% admitted to feeling of guilt due to the adverse effect on their absence had on their colleagues. A further 20% feared losing their jobs due to a vacation or sick day.
