Research Shows Six in Ten Australians Stay Connected to Work During Summer Holidays

A survey conducted by Dayforce, a global human capital management technology provider, has revealed that six in ten full-time Australian employees stay connected to work during summer holidays. The findings indicate that despite the introduction of flexible work policies, many workers feel unable to fully disconnect.

The survey, conducted by Harris Poll, explored the impact of summer on employee productivity, attitudes toward workplace flexibility, and how economic pressures influence holiday habits. The results show that while summer flexibility policies are common, many employees find it difficult to take full advantage of them.

Productivity and Summer Work Habits

The study found that 45 per cent of employees feel less productive during the summer months, with 39 per cent admitting they are more likely to slack off when their boss is on holiday.

To address potential productivity dips, 60 per cent of respondents reported that their employers offer summer flexibility policies. These policies include flexible work hours (35 per cent), increased work-from-home options (26 per cent), and seasonal work-from-anywhere arrangements (21 per cent).

Brian Donn, Managing Director, Asia Pacific and Japan at Dayforce, emphasised the importance of workplace flexibility in maintaining employee satisfaction during the summer.

“Summer flexibility policies help employees balance work with personal time, reducing burnout while keeping productivity on track,” Donn said. “Our findings show that clear communication and thoughtful implementation of these policies can ensure employees feel supported and engaged.”

Challenges in Using Flex Policies

While 86 per cent of employees with summer flexibility policies agree they help reduce burnout, nearly half (49 per cent) say they cannot always take advantage of them. Common barriers include heavy workloads (38 per cent), fear of negative perceptions from managers or colleagues (28 per cent), and concerns about layoffs (21 per cent).

Employees also highlighted downsides to flexibility policies. Among those with access, 81 per cent said the policies have drawbacks, such as reduced productivity when colleagues are unavailable (34 per cent), frustration over being too busy to use the benefits (28 per cent), and disruptions to routines (26 per cent).

Generational differences also emerged, with 80 per cent of respondents believing younger workers are more likely to embrace summer flexibility policies than their older counterparts.

Cost of Living and Holiday Patterns

Economic pressures are shaping summer holiday plans for many Australians. A quarter of respondents (26 per cent) said they might not be able to afford holidays this summer due to the cost of living.

The survey also found a preference for shorter breaks spread throughout the year, with 74 per cent of employees indicating they would rather take a week off intermittently than a single long summer holiday. More than six in ten (61 per cent) said they prefer to take short breaks around festive public holidays or Australia Day, opting instead for longer getaways in winter.

Even for those who manage to take time off, disconnecting from work entirely remains a challenge. Only 34 per cent of respondents reported fully unplugging while on holiday.

Improving Summer Flexibility Strategies

The findings provide insights for organisations seeking to maximise the effectiveness of summer flexibility policies. Suggestions include:

• Clear communication: Ensure employees understand the policies and feel encouraged to use them without fear of repercussions.
  
  
• Manager involvement: Secure buy-in from managers to encourage employees to take advantage of flexibility options.
  
  
• Operational planning: Build workforce optimisation into the planning process to ensure coverage and minimise disruptions.
  
  
• Regular evaluation: Monitor the effectiveness of policies and adjust based on employee feedback.

“Organisations that take proactive steps to address challenges around summer policies can better support their teams and maintain engagement,” Donn said. “Encouraging employees to disconnect during holidays is key to helping them recharge and return to work refreshed.”

Survey Methodology

The survey, conducted online by Harris Poll between October 28 and October 30, 2024, included 456 full-time employed Australian adults aged 18 and older. The data has a margin of error of ±4.7 percentage points at a 95 per cent confidence level. For additional methodology details, contact Nick de Pass at Dayforce.

About Dayforce

Dayforce is a global leader in human capital management technology, providing solutions that integrate HR, payroll, talent, workforce management, and benefits. The company helps organisations optimise workforce potential and improve employee satisfaction. Visit dayforce.com/au for more information.

Last Updated on December 9, 2024 by Nick Ross