Los Angeles, July 13, 2022 – As summer vacation season kicks into high gear, a recent Korn Ferry (NYSE: KFY) survey shows the majority of professionals won’t be taking as much time away from the office as they have in years past.

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents say they plan on taking a shorter vacation this year, and more than half (58%) say being away from the office stresses them out more this year than in years past.

The top reason that being away from the office stresses professionals out, according to the survey, is that they have too much work due to staff shortages (47%).

“With this uncertain economy, many employers are putting off filling vacant roles, which can increase the burden on remaining employees,” said Korn Ferry Senior Director and engagement specialist Mark Royal. “But even though there’s more work to be done, it’s critical that employees take much deserved time off to relax and rejuvenate.”   

Many professionals say they still work even when they are supposed to be out of the office. Sixty percent say they will connect more with work while on vacation this year, and 37% say they check in with the office multiple times a day.

Half (50%) of professionals say they have cut short or cancelled a vacation due to work demands, and two-thirds (66%) say they would prefer a salary increase to extra vacation days.

“Work-life balance is key to being successful both in our professional and personal lives,” said Royal. “While a good salary is important to job satisfaction, a commitment to employees’ wellbeing is also critical.”

About the survey: The Korn Ferry survey of more than 300 professionals took place in Mid-June 2022.

Survey results:

Will you take a longer or shorter summer vacation this year than in years past?

Longer                                                                                     37%

Shorter                                                                                    63%

While on vacation, how often do you connect to work?

Multiple times a day                                                                37%

Once a day                                                                             26%

A few times per week                                                             21%

Once a week                                                                           8%

Never                                                                                      8%

Will you connect to work more or less with the office during vacation this year than in years past?

More                                                                                        60%

Less                                                                                         40%

Does being away from the office on vacation stress you out more now than in years past?

More now                                                                                58%

More in years past                                                                  42%

If being away from the offices stresses you out more now, what is the top reason?

The potential for a recession                                                  3%

The potential for layoffs                                                          15%

Too much work to do due to decreases in staff                     47%

Worried that the work won’t be done well when I’m away     35%

Have you cancelled/delayed/cut short vacation plans due to pressure to perform at work?

Yes                                                                              50%

No                                                                               50%

Would you rather have a salary increase or more vacation days?

Salary increase                                               66%

More vacation days                                        34%

About Korn Ferry

Korn Ferry is a global organizational consulting firm. We work with our clients to design optimal organization structures, roles, and responsibilities. We help them hire the right people and advise them on how to reward and motivate their workforce while developing professionals as they navigate and advance their careers.

Media Contact:

Tracy Kurschner

Tracy.kurschner@kornferry.com

612.309.3957