With the rise of remote working after the world stood still in the midst of a pandemic, more professionals opted for the flexibility and convenience it offered. There have been many misconceptions about how remote workers spend their 8 hours of pay but a big one has been that WFH employees are more likely to take time off compared to their on-site counterparts. Contrary to popular belief, the vacation habits of remote workers differ.
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Summer is the prime time for employees to use up all those hoarded-up paid leaves for a vacation with their families. A remote worker could be expected to take a ‘staycation’ over a vacation considering that they can carry their work wherever they go. But that seems to be the opposite of what a recent study by Gusto found. Remote employees’ vacation stats appear as though remote workers are less likely to take vacation time off than non-remote ones.
Remote Workers Take Lesser Vacations
These preconceived notions for remote workers arise from a belief that they are less engaged and disconnected from the workforce, leading to a higher need for breaks.
However, according to Gusto, a study on all workers with an active paid time off policy revealed that remote workers took only 86 hours of vacation time over 91 hours for office counterparts. This meant that remote workers took 5.5 percent less time off.
One significant factor contributing to remote workers taking less time off is the flexibility that comes with their job. Unlike on-site employees, remote workers have the luxury of setting their own schedules. This flexibility allows them to manage their workload more efficiently and adapt their working hours to fit their personal lives. As a result, they are less likely to experience burnout, leading to a decreased need for time off.
Moreover, remote workers have the advantage of working from the comfort of their own homes. This eliminates the need for them to take a vacation simply to rest and recharge. A recent trend of ‘Workcations’ has been rising.
Workcations provide remote workers with the best of both worlds. They can explore new destinations, experience different cultures, and engage in enjoyable activities while maintaining their work commitments. This ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance without the need for extended time off contributes to remote workers taking fewer vacations. But does that mean that remote workers are afraid and don’t feel entitled to vacations?
Remote Employee Vacations: Perception Of Entitlement
Despite the advantages and flexibility that remote work offers, there is a perception that remote workers may feel less entitled to time off compared to their on-site colleagues. This perception stems from the belief that remote workers are already enjoying the benefits of a flexible work arrangement, making them less likely to request additional time off.
However, it is essential to recognize that even remote workers need time to disconnect and recharge. The lack of physical separation between work and personal life can blur boundaries, leading to potential burnout and decreased productivity.
The Importance of Time Off for Remote Workers
Taking time off is crucial for remote workers to maintain their mental well-being, sustain their productivity, and avoid burnout. It allows them to disconnect from work-related responsibilities, alleviate stress, and focus on their personal lives.
Additionally, vacations allow remote workers to explore new environments, gain fresh perspectives, and broaden their horizons ultimately resulting in a better performance at their organization. Employers must look out for remote employees who don’t take vacations to ensure that they can empower them to recharge or risk long-term burnout.