Indians most vacation-deprived in the world

Indians are the most vacation-deprived in the world, says the latest 'Vacation Deprivation Report 2018' compiled by leading online travely agency, Expedia. And among Indians, 71% Bengalureans are convinced that fewer vacations have decreased their productivity at work.

Bengalureans are also the most aware of the positive impact of vacations on work. The survey found that after returning from vacations, 91% Bengalureans feel they have better control on themselves, 90% are more focused and 86% feel more motivated.

Yet, most Bengalureans get only 1- 10 days of vacations days and majority of them take fewer vacations (51%). Forty per cent feel that they deserve six to 10 more vacation days.

Bengalureans are also the highest to check their emails multiple times a day (20%) while on vacation. This makes them feel more stressed while checking in (45%) as compared to 35% Mumbaikars.

The survey, conducted online from September 19 to 28, covered people across Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe and South America. Expedia questioned 11,144 employed adults aged 18 and older on their work-life balance.

Seventy-five per cent of Indians surveyed were clear they were vacation-deprived. This was higher than South Korea (72%) and Hong Kong (69%).

Unused vacations

Indians are also among the most likely to leave their vacations unused, after the Japanese, Italians, Aussies and Kiwis. The survey found that 41% Indians have not taken a vacation in the past six months as they cannot get time off work.

Indians do not avail their full vacations for different reasons: Missing out on important work decisions (25%), fear of being seen less committed (19%) and finding it difficult to coordinate time with their travel companion (33%).

Manmeet Ahluwalia, Marketing Head, Brand Expedia in India says, “Our study also reflect that 18% Indians feel that those who are successful at their job don’t take vacation days.”

For 64% of Indians, the impending workload after they return from vacation is an important factor in deciding the length of their holiday. “Seventeen per cent of Indians have not taken any leave from past one year,” adds Ahluwalia.

Diverted by work

Despite 78% of the bosses being supportive of vacations, Indians continue to get diverted by work while vacationing. Here's why: Thirty-two per cent supervisors, 34% co-workers, and 33% junior staff keep bothering Indians while they are out on a holiday.

But not everything is bleak. A high 55% Indians feel that vacation deprivation affect their productivity and hence need to be taken seriously. Their guilt associated with taking a vacation has actually gone down by 9% from previous year to 63% in 2018.