Press Releases

Productivity plummets as holiday-makers run for it - 24 August 2006

A recent survey conducted by leading recruitment specialist, Brook Street indicates that workers are most likely to down tools for a substantial amount of time ahead of their holiday, suggesting that business productivity could be significantly affected.

The survey conducted via the www.brookstreet.co.uk website found that 69% of respondents are more inclined to slow down on the job up to a week before they go on their holidays and make a run for the door. With the average person taking up to two weeks holiday at any one time, the actual loss to businesses of their employees productivity would stretch to three weeks at a time. Also, according to the survey, only one in 20 people would employ temporary staff to soak up the increased workload meaning countless business hours could potentially be lost during holiday season.

Erika Bannerman, Brook Street, Sales and Marketing Director, says: “For employees returning to work, this productivity loss could cause untold stress. The amount of work that will have piled up whilst on holiday will be significant enough. Add this to the tasks that will have mounted in the ‘go-slow’ week ahead of the holiday and the pressure is likely to be high.”

One in five, do not even believe they can have a holiday due to the amount of work that they have to do, suggesting a need for permanent staff solutions.

Erika added: “Employers would be better placed finding the necessary cover from outside to ensure productivity levels remain consistent and morale in the company does not suffer. Over the years Brook Street has placed thousands of temporary staff in many positions during holiday seasons as businesses realise that opportunities can be lost when the workforce slims down.”