Quebec workers don't have enough vacation: Survey

Workers would rather have time off than be paid for overtime


Many Quebec workers aren't given enough vacation time to feel rejuvenated, according to a new survey.

The survey by the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés (CRHA), Quebec's HR association, found 42 per cent of 1,000 Quebec workers polled said they don't have enough time off during the year to recharge their batteries.

"This finding should cause us to reflect, especially when we consider that stress-related health problems are on the rise. Vacation time allows us to step back and recharge our batteries, and reduces absenteeism while increasing productivity," said Florent Francoeur, president and CEO of CRHA.

This year, 65 per cent of Quebec workers expect to take up to two weeks' vacation time,  15 per cent will take three weeks and eight per cent do not expect to take any vacation time this year.

Among those who don't expect to take time off this summer, 80 per cent would rather be paid than to take additional time off to decompress.

"It's a known fact that in many companies, some employees have trouble disconnecting from work. It's important to be aware of such situations and encourage these employees to set reasonable limits for works; otherwise, they may be candidates for burn-out," said Francoeur.

The survey also found 55 per cent of workers favoured paid time off rather than payment for overtime work.

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