LOS ANGELES, July 2, 2021 - As the summer vacation season kicks into high gear, a new Korn Ferry (NYSE: KFY) survey shows professionals are more ready than ever to take time off.

The vast majority (82 percent) say they will appreciate their vacation more post-pandemic lockdowns than in years past. More than three-quarters (79 percent) say they will use more vacation days in 2021, and nearly half (46 percent) say they'll take a longer vacation this year.

'These past 18 months have been among the most stressful periods in recent history. We all feel the need to take a break and recharge,' said Kevin Cashman, Korn Ferry global co-leader of CEO and Enterprise Leader Development, and author of The Pause Principle - Step Back to Lean Forward. 'Employees who pause during vacations return with a renewed sense of energy and purpose, which enhances their productivity and drive.'

Time away from work can actually have a positive impact on professionals' jobs, as 80 percent say they have had a breakthrough work idea come to them while relaxing on vacation.

While 82 percent say they will check in with the office less during this year's vacation, that doesn't mean they will unplug completely. Nearly a fifth (19 percent) say they will check in multiple times a day and 42 percent say they'll check in once a day. Only 13 percent say they will never check in.

'To truly experience the benefits of time away, it's critical to focus on friends, family, relaxation and rejuvenation. Take the time to re-connect with others instead of continually connecting to work,' said Cashman.

One third (33 percent) of those who check in with the office say they do so because there is too much work to get done. Nearly half (44 percent) say they get pulled into critical issues and need to put out fires, and 19 percent say they work on holiday because they just enjoy it.

More than half (56 percent) say they have cancelled or cut short vacation plans due to work pressures, and 42 percent say they have had disagreements with their spouse/significant other about being too connected to work during vacation.

'Taking the time to transform all aspects of our lives is critical to sustained happiness and well-being,' said Cashman.

About the Survey

The Korn Ferry survey of 620 professionals took place in June 2021.

Survey Results

Will you appreciate your vacation more post pandemic than in years past?

Yes 82 percent

No 18 percent

Have you ever had a work breakthrough idea that has come to you while relaxing on vacation?

Yes 80 percent

No 20 percent

Post-pandemic, do you think you'll check in with work more or less during vacation than in years past?

More 18 percent

Less 82 percent

While on vacation, how often do you connect to work?

Multiple times a day 19 percent

Once a day 42 percent

A few times per week 21 percent

Once a week 5 percent

Never 13 percent

Would you rather have a salary increase or more vacation days?

Salary increase 61 percent

More vacation days 39 percent

Have you ever had a disagreement with your spouse/significant other about being too connected to work while on vacation?

Yes 42 percent

No 58 percent

If you work while on vacation what is the primary reason for doing so?

Too much work to do/Increased workload upon return 33 percent

Putting out Fires: I get pulled into critical issues 44 percent

Worried my boss will think I'm a slacker if I don't 5 percent

I enjoy it 18 percent

Have you cancelled/delayed/cut short personal vacation plans due to occupational demands/pressure to perform at work?

Yes 56 percent

No 44 percent

Do you plan to use more or fewer vacation days in 2021 than in years past?

More 79 percent

Fewer 21 percent

Do you plan on taking a longer vacation this year than in years past?

Yes 46 percent

No 54 percent

About Korn Ferry

Korn Ferry is a global organizational consulting firm. We work with our clients to design optimal organization structures, roles, and responsibilities. We help them hire the right people and advise them on how to reward and motivate their workforce while developing professionals as they navigate and advance their careers.

Media Contact:

Tracy Kurschner

Tracy.kurschner@kornferry.com

612.309.3957

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Korn Ferry International published this content on 02 July 2021 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 02 July 2021 19:50:13 UTC.