Holiday disturbances: Every third employee contacted by workplace during vacation
Summer vacation is traditionally a time for relaxation and recharging, but for many employees, the reality is different. According to a new survey by Norstat, conducted for the labor union and unemployment fund Business Denmark, almost every third employee is contacted by their workplace while on vacation.
The survey shows that 29 percent of the respondents experience being contacted by their workplace during their vacation. This figure is concerning to the CEO of Business Denmark, Martin Kildgaard Nielsen. “It is crucial that employees are allowed to completely disconnect and enjoy their vacation without disturbances, as it is essential for their mental health and overall well-being,” says Martin Kildgaard Nielsen. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing vacation time highly in order to perform well the rest of the year without compromising mental health.
The survey also reveals that almost every other employee feels obligated to respond to their boss or a colleague during vacation and even complete work tasks. Martin Kildgaard Nielsen points out that technological possibilities, which are otherwise an advantage in everyday life, can have a negative impact during vacation if not handled correctly. “Technology offers us countless possibilities in daily life, but it also has a downside, especially when it comes to vacation. If we do not manage it correctly during our vacation time, it can create problems,” says the director. He warns against the potential danger of it becoming the norm to contact colleagues during vacation, as this can lead to a harmful company culture.
The survey, conducted among a representative sample of 1019 employees from June 19 to 25 this year, also shows that every tenth employee never completely disconnects from work, even when on vacation. This emphasizes the need for a change in the vacation culture in the labor market.
With summer vacation approaching, it is more relevant than ever to ensure that employees can have a well-deserved break without work-related disturbances.