Only 65% of Full-time Workers Plan to Vacation in 2012, Was 80% in 2007

The recession caused many American workers to rule out their annual vacations, but according to a new survey, bosses are finding more time for getaways than their workers. Eighty-one percent of managers have taken or plan to take vacation this year, compared to 65 percent of full-time employees.

While the number of American workers who have already taken or plan to take a vacation is up from 61 percent in 2011, the number of vacationers falls well below pre-financial crisis levels. In 2007, 80 percent of full-time workers went on vacation or expected to take a vacation that year.

The nationwide survey – conducted February 9 to March 2, 2012, among more than 5,000 full-time workers and more than 2,000 managers – found that vacations are still financially out of reach for many Americans. One in five workers (19 percent) said they can’t afford to go on vacation, which is down from 24 percent in 2011. An additional 12 percent of workers say they can afford vacations, but have no plans to take one, consistent with past years.

“Managers may be more likely to afford vacations, but they should still be encouraging their employees to use paid time off, even if they are staying close to home,” said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder. “Workers who maximize vacation time are less likely to burn out and more likely to maintain productivity levels. Heavy workloads and financial constraints can make it difficult to get away from work, but even if you’re not traveling far from home, a few days away can have have a very postive impact on your health and happiness.”

The survey reveals several other vacation trends and topics of note:

• Duration of vacations shrinking post-recession – This year, 17 percent of workers took or planned to take a vacation for ten days or more. That’s down from 24 percent in 2007.
• Many workers contact work while on vacation – Three in ten workers contact work during their vacation, on par with last year. More than a third of managers (37 percent) say they expect their employees to check with work while on vacation, although most say only if the employee is involved in a big project or major issue going on with the company.
• Letting paid time off go to waste – 15 percent of workers reported they gave up vacation days last year because they didn’t have time to use them, down slightly from 16 percent who gave up days in 2010.
• “Stay-cations” are a popular option – Nearly two in five workers (38 percent) stayed home or are planning to stay home this year.
• Working while the family vacations – Twenty-three percent of workers say they once had to work while the family went on vacation without them, consistent with last year (24 percent).

94% of Employers Okay With Candidates Who Took Lower Level Jobs During Recession

The vast majority of employers – 85 percent – reported that they are more understanding of employment gaps post-recession. Nine-in-ten (94 percent) said they wouldn’t think less of a candidate who took a position during the recession that was at a lower level than the one he/she previously held. The survey was conducted by Harris Interactive© among more than 3,000 employers across industries and company sizes.

“More than 5 million workers in the U.S. have been unemployed for six months or longer, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,” said Rosemary Haefner, Vice President of Human Resources for CareerBuilder. “While job seekers have voiced concern over how they may be perceived if they’ve been out of work for a while or took a job for which they were overqualified to make ends meet, the study shows employers understand the tough challenges the economy has created for workers. What is most important to employers is that workers show they have stayed active in sharpening their skills.” Continue Reading

36% Discuss Politics at Work. Remainder Don’t Get Three Branches of Government.

As one of the most anticipated and contentious presidential races moves forward, you may find the most vocal political pundits in the next cubicle, according to a new CareerBuilder survey. Thirty-six percent of workers reported they discuss politics at work. Forty-three percent expect they will be talking about this year’s presidential election with co-workers. The nationwide survey of more than 7,000 full-time workers nationwide was conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of CareerBuilder between November 9 and December 5, 2011.

While most conversations around politics were good-natured or even-tempered, 23 percent of workers who have discussed politics at work reported they had a heated discussion or fight with a co-worker, boss or someone else higher up in the organization. One-in-ten workers said their opinion about a co-worker changed after they discovered that person’s political affiliation, with most stating it changed for the negative. Continue Reading

Worst Interview Mistakes

In a labor market where a single open position can receive resumes from dozens, even hundreds of hopeful applicants, just getting to the interview stage is an accomplishment for many job seekers. But once one lands the elusive interview, what are the sure-fire ways to make the wrong impression?

Most Harmful Common Mistakes

Hiring managers say the following are the mistakes most detrimental to your interview performance: Continue Reading

18% of Workers Admit to Dating Their Boss

Love is in the air and it’s wafting its way through the office. Thirty-eight percent of workers said they have dated a co-worker at least once over the course of their career; 17 percent reported dating co-workers at least twice. Thirty-one percent said their office romance led them to the altar.

How Many Dated the Boss?

While the majority of relationships developed between workers in comparable job levels, 28 percent of workers who dated a co-worker said they have dated someone above them in the company hierarchy, and nearly one-in-five (18 percent) admitted to dating their boss. Women were more likely to date someone higher up in their organization – 35 percent compared to 23 percent of men. The survey did not ask how many employees admitted to sleeping with their boss. Continue Reading

Outrageous Excuses For Coming Into Work Late

Cat hiccups, a disgruntled roommate and a governor’s phone call are among this year’s most unusual excuses employees gave for being tardy, according to a new study. Sixteen percent of workers reported they arrive late to work once a week or more, up from 15 percent last year. Twenty-seven percent of workers arrive late to work at least once a month, up from 26 percent last year.

While employers are more flexible about work schedules and start times today, excessive tardiness can have serious consequences. Over one-third (34 percent) of employers said they have terminated an employee for being late. “Punctuality – or lack thereof – can impact how your commitment, reliability and performance are perceived by your employer,” said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of Human Resources at CareerBuilder. “One of the best ways to make sure you get to work on time is to get organized and plan ahead. Lay out whatever you’ll need for the workday the night before, plan to be at the office early, account for expected commute delays and eliminate distractions in your morning routine.” Continue Reading

Most Memorable Gifts From Co-Workers

Workers can expect more holiday cheer in the office this season, as companies offer more perks (bonuses, parties, gifts) than last year. Workers can expect more holiday cheer in the office this season, as companies offer more perks (bonuses, parties, gifts) than last year.

Bonuses: Four-in-ten (40 percent) employers plan to give their employees holiday bonuses this year, up from 33 percent in 2010. Among this group, 73 percent are planning to give the same amount as last year. Fourteen percent plan to provide a greater bonus than last year, while 13 percent plan to provide a smaller bonus. Continue Reading