New Zealand
Annual Vacation Deprivation report reveals New Zealanders are battling burnout by giving themselves permission to be OoO in 2022
Today, Expedia releases its annual Vacation Deprivation study, finding that New Zealanders plan to take 18 annual leave days in 2022, nearly 40% more than they took last year. It comes as 63% of working Kiwis report feeling vacation deprived, with nearly three quarters (74%) feeling more burnt out in 2021, due to the stress of the pandemic.
Surveying more than 14,500 working adults across 16 countries, including 500 New Zealanders, the 2022 report also sheds light on the uncomfortable reality of pandemic-era flexible work arrangements, often making it more difficult for workers to unplug (36%), blurring the boundaries between time on and off the clock.
Lisa Perkovic, Expedia Travel Expert states since the pandemic began, few Kiwis have had the chance to take a true holiday: “While many took advantage of flexible working arrangements by working away from home, attempting to reply to emails by the pool or take calls from the car, the vast majority of Kiwis that did (76%), don’t consider these to be “true” holidays. For others, restricted travel and sporadic lockdowns have stopped them from planning and taking the annual leave they deserve.
“The good news is that almost all New Zealanders (94%) recognise regular holidays are critical to our health and wellbeing. With New Zealand travellers soon to be given greater travel freedoms as travel restrictions ease and the country gets set to reopen its border to the rest of the world, now is the time to remember that holidays should be a time to rest, recharge and prioritise the things that really matter.”
Giving themselves permission to be OOO
This year is set to be the year Kiwis take back control of how they find joy during a holiday with nearly 9 in 10 (87%) Kiwis valuing their annual leave time more than they ever have before. As a result of feeling like they need a break more than ever, 22% plan to take more holidays than they usually do, with 42% planning to travel later in 2022 as travel restrictions ease.
Expedia’s Five Rules for Breaking Bad Holiday Habits
From reconnecting with loved ones to easing burn out, research consistently underscores the benefits of a holiday. However, more than a few bad habits are preventing Kiwis from having the fulfilling travel experiences they deserve — and it’s time to break them.
- Use your entitlements: On average, Kiwis only took 13 annual leave days in 2021, with 59% allowing their annual leave days to roll over. While understandable given the challenges of 2021, now is the time to make up for lost time and level out those annual leave balances — future you will thank you for it.
- Set boundaries: Half (51%) of Kiwis admit to including their mobile number in their out-of-office reply, 35% bring their work laptops and 26% frequently joined zoom calls while travelling. Set boundaries from the get-go, and break the habit of being easily available, when possible, to ensure your holiday time stays interruption free.
- Take time for yourself: Two in five (45%) Kiwis admit to feeling guilty when they don’t do anything “productive” while on leave. A similar portion (45%) take time off to work on a side hustle and, on average, Kiwis used two annual leave days in 2021 to run errands, go to a doctor’s appointment or take care of a sick family member. Even if it’s not a holiday, be sure to carve out time in the year for yourself, to rest and recharge.
- Don’t apologise for taking time off: Almost half (47%) of Kiwis feel guilty having coworkers covering and 36% feel the need to apologise or make excuses for taking time off. Remember that you’ve earnt and are entitled to your annual leave, and the time will come when you need to cover for your colleagues.
- Be present: Almost half (49%) of Kiwis have a hard time unplugging from work while on holiday, with 63% worrying about coming back to a large amount of emails. There’s nothing worse than finally getting away, only to be worried about what’s waiting for you on your return, so as best you can, try to temporarily detach yourself and make the most of your time away.
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