Holiday allowance for British workers is deemed more important than a pension plan or the chance of a promotion when looking for a new job.
This is according to travel provider eShores, who found that the salary offered (98 per cent) was the biggest factor when looking for a new job, but the number of holidays offered came in as a close second at 91 per cent.
The desire for a holiday did outweigh a pension plan (89 per cent) and the opportunities for promotion (78 per cent).
The results of the survey showed that taking a holiday added to the wellbeing of the employee. Almost half (48 per cent) of those who had been on holiday said they felt good levels of happiness, compared to just 33 per cent of those who had not been away. As well as 36 per cent who have been on holiday reported that they felt good about their stress levels, compared to 26 per cent who had not been away.
Taking a break also inspired motivation as 39 per cent felt motivated after taking a holiday, in contrast to 24 per cent who had not been away. Employees feel more productive as well after a holiday (43 per cent) with only 28 per cent experiencing good levels of productivity without going on holiday.
Just under half (46 per cent) of those who had been away on a holiday saying they had good mental health, with just 34 per cent who had not.
As well as 45 per cent saying they felt they have a good work-life balance following a holiday, compared to just 30 per cent who have not gone away. More than a third (37 per cent) who had gone on holiday said they were happy in their career, with only 22 per cent saying the same who had not gone on holiday.
A study conducted by the World Happiness Index showed that countries with a higher holiday allowance, ranked as a happier country. Finland, Denmark and Norway make up the top three, all of which have a 25 days minimum allowance, which is five days more than the Legal European Union (EU) requirements. The UK came in at tenth place , with a 20-day holiday allowance. The survey asked 2,000 respondents, half of whom had been on holiday in the last 12 months and half who had not.
Gavin Lapidus, co-founder of eShores, said:
We’re pleased to see our research proves what we expected – taking holiday’s is of great importance to employees and can have great benefits to their health. At eShores, we’re often invited on trips by tourist boards and airlines, going to places like Dubai, the US and beyond, so we encourage our team to take a break and enjoy some time out of the office.
The survey proves the importance of holiday allowance, so businesses must offer a strong package in order to attract and retain the best talent. Further to this, the benefits to productivity and general health when going on holiday show how important it is to facilitate and encourage an annual holiday. In order to have a happy, healthy and ultimately successful workforce, having an annual holiday is of great importance.
The survey asked 2,000 respondents, half of whom had been on holiday in the last 12 months and half who had not.
Interested in wellbeing in the workplace We recommend the Workplace Wellbeing and Stress Forum 2019.
Darius is the editor of HRreview. He has previously worked as a finance reporter for the Daily Express. He studied his journalism masters at Press Association Training and graduated from the University of York with a degree in History.
