Canadians took two fewer vacation days (16 days) than the global average in 2021, leaving the majority feeling vacation deprived (55%) and more burned out than ever (71%), according to Expedia’s annual Vacation Deprivation Survey.
Surveying more than 14,500 working adults across 16 countries, including Canada, the just-released 2022 report also sheds light on the uncomfortable reality that pandemic-era flexible work arrangements can make it more difficult to unplug (45%), blurring the boundaries between time on and off the clock.
While many Canadians made the best of this new-found flexibility by taking a “workcation” (travelling to a new destination and working remotely), most don’t consider these to be “true” vacations (80%). Furthermore, even as most Canadians (74%) enjoy feeling “unproductive” during their vacations, over a third (34%) bring along their work laptops and one-in-four (25%) frequently joined Zoom calls while out of office (OOO).
“Despite the nearly universal belief that regular vacations are critical to our health and wellbeing, the research shows we struggle to fully unplug from work,” said Mary Zajac, PR manager for Expedia. “Instead, we try and do it all, checking email from the pool and taking work calls while out of office. This study is a reminder that vacations should be a time to rest, recharge and prioritize the things that really matter. After all, work can wait.”
However, 2022 is promising to be the year Canadians take back control of how they find joy during vacations and give themselves permission to take personal time off, implies the survey. In fact, working adults in Canada vowed to take an average of 20 days this year – four days more than they took in 2021 – and nearly all (94%) agree that regular vacations are important for general health and well-being.
One-in-five Canadians have already booked a trip to look forward to and, based on 2021 habits, including splurging on upgrades (such as choosing a bigger room or flying first class), stopping at multiple destinations during a single trip or booking back-up trips, they are ready to travel.
Breaking bad vacation habits
From reconnecting with loved ones to easing burn out, research consistently underscores the benefits of vacation. However, more than a few bad habits are preventing Canadians from having the fulfilling travel experiences they deserve – and it’s time to break them, says Expedia:
• Not setting boundaries: 43% of Canadians admitted to including their cell phone number in their out-of-office reply for their co-workers or clients, inviting interruptions during valuable time off. Breaking the habit of being easily available, when possible, ensures vacation time stays sacred.
• Leaving vacation days behind: Canadians took 16 vacation days in 2021 with a third (30%) leaving vacation days unused.
• Hustling without breaks: 37% of Canadians admitted to feeling guilty when they don’t do anything “productive” while on vacation. 36% used some of their time off doing a side hustle and, on average, Canadians used two vacation days last year to take care of a sick family member, go to a doctor’s appointment or run errands.
• Asking permission to take time off: 39% of Canadians feel guilty having co-workers cover their work and 33% still feel the need to apologize or make excuses for taking time off, despite most agreeing their colleagues are supportive of them using their vacation time (76%).
About the study
Expedia first commissioned Vacation Deprivation in 2000 to examine the work-life balance of people worldwide. The annual study is currently in its 22nd year and was conducted online among 14,544 respondents from Dec. 14-30, 2021, on behalf of Expedia by global strategic research firm Northstar Research Partners.