The average Australian is leaving behind 5 days of unused annual leave every year, yet 53 per cent say they feel vacation deprived.
New research from travel website Expedia.com.au has revealed that 92 per cent of Aussies believe taking regular vacations in important to their health and wellbeing, with a further 87 per cent believing vacations to be important to their romantic relationships.
“Expedia data shows Australians are becoming more conscious of the benefits of taking a holiday, with the number of short breaks up 41 per cent, growing faster than long stays at 20 per cent, in the last two years,” Georg Ruebensal, Managing Director of Expedia Australia and New Zealand, said.
“However, our Vacation Deprivation report shows we remain hesitant as a culture when it comes to scheduling time off, falling well behind countries like Germany and Brazil who utilise a majority-to-all of their entitled leave.”
The global survey, conducted online among 7,855 adults across 24 countries, found over a third of employees worldwide take fewer annual leave days than they receive, 91 per cent somewhat or strongly agree holidays are important for health and wellbeing and 89 per cent believe holidays are important for their romantic relationships.
“For close to half of Aussie employees (46 per cent) taking a holiday rates as the number one thing that makes them happiest, above finding money, getting a tax refund, celebrating a birthday or being told they look younger than they are. Over a third (36 per cent would take a pay cut for an extra vacation, while 85 per cent believe regular travel helps them feel better connected with friends and family,” Mr Ruebensal said.
“It’s evident Australians feel less stressed, more relaxed and happier when returning home from a great trip, so why not make it a New Year’s resolution to use up all owing leave.”
