British managers reluctant to get away this summer

Despite being half way through the year, research published by the Chartered Management Institute shows that four out of ten British managers have not yet booked any summer holiday.

Of the most popular reasons given for staying in the office all summer, 20% said that an excessive workload is to blame. Against a backdrop of financial uncertainty and job insecurity, 33% also said they would rather exchange their holiday entitlement for cash.

For those who do escape, being out of the office doesn’t necessarily mean leaving work behind. 20% admitted to finding it hard to ‘let go’ and 72% worried about work, clients or deadlines while away. Worry may also account for the fact 51% continue to check work emails and 44% access their voicemails, while on leave.

To encourage managers to recognise the importance of taking a break, the CMI has launching its Out of office campaign and has declared an amnesty until 15 July, during which British managers are being urged to book some well deserved time off.

CMI’s chief executive Ruth Spellman explains: “It is understandable that a heavy workload and the prospect of returning to a large amount of emails and outstanding tasks can deter people from taking time off, but holiday has a positive impact on staff well-being and boosts productivity.

“Encouragingly 89% of those managers we surveyed say they do encourage their team members to take their full holiday entitlement so there should be no excuse not to get away this summer, even for just a few days. We hope that our Out of office campaign, combined with an amnesty and July 15 deadline to book some leave, will help managers turn their attention to planning a break. The well-being and resilience of our managers will be very important to ensure we are best placed to take full advantage of the economic up-turn when it comes.”

As well as encouraging people to consider the benefits of a well-earned break, the CMI has developed a holiday toolkit and top tips to help managers be ‘work-prepared’, enabling them to enjoy their holiday and helping to alleviate the pressure when they return.

The CMI’s holiday toolkit, which includes resources to help individuals prepare for their time away, is available at www.managers.org.uk/outofoffice