India is 4th Most Vacation-Deprived Nation Globally: Survey
Mumbai: India has emerged as the fourth most vacation-deprived nation globally, with 67 per cent of respondents saying they do not get enough time for an outing, according to a recent survey.
"India is the fourth most vacation deprived nation globally, with 67 per cent of Indians saying they feel very or somewhat vacation deprived," according to online travel agency Expedia.com's '2014 Vacation Deprivation' report.
"Indians are globally highest at feeling more focused at work (50 per cent) after a vacation. In fact, 24 per cent of Indians strongly agree that the chance for more vacation days would motivate them to change jobs," Expedia managing director-Asia Vikram Malhi said.
This survey was conducted online from August 25 to September 17 across North America, Europe, South America and Asia Pacific using the Kantar-owned GMI (Global Market Insite) and Lightspeed Research amalgamated group of panels.
It was conducted among 7,855 employed people aged 18 years of age and older across 24 countries.
The survey also reveals 64 per cent of Indians, who feel vacation deprived, say their deprivation stems from not getting enough holidays, while 36 per cent say their deprivation stems from not taking all of their vacation days.
Indians receive an average of 19.6 vacation days from their employers each year. They take an average of 15.5 vacation days, with over half (52 per cent) taking fewer days then they receive, the survey showed.
Due to increased work pressure and the inability to be away from work for longer periods, Indians are increasingly choosing to take multiple short vacations, than longer ones and disconnect with work.
"The two most common reasons for not taking all their vacation days are a work schedule that does not allow for vacation time (26 per cent) and a personal schedule that does not allow for vacation time (25 per cent)," it said.
Other reasons for not using all of their vacation time include wanting to bank their days for one longer vacation next year (23 per cent), the ability to get money in exchange for unused vacation days (22 per cent) and difficulty coordinating a time that works for spouse, partner, family members, among others (21 per cent).
Indians are among the most eager to plan their next vacation immediately after returning from holiday, it said.
About 50 per cent of typically use their vacation days on several shorter trips, while only 26 per cent say they use their days on one long trip, Mr Malhi added.
For 11 per cent of Indians, their vacation days are typically tied to weddings or family obligations, while 7 per cent use their vacation days to extend work trips to include vacation, both highest globally, the survey said.
Indians are globally second highest in cancelling vacation due to work (74 per cent) after Thailand (77 per cent), it said.
It said 40 per cent of Indians cannot plan vacation in advance due to work, fourth globally after Thailand (43 per cent), Singapore and South Korea (42 per cent).
