For most Americans, summertime is still business as usual, according to a “Summer Getaway” survey by Norwalk-based Priceline.com that found a majority of employers do not give extra time off in the warmer months.
The survey of nearly 16,000 Americans found that 8 percent receive additional time off during the summer, from Summer Fridays, extra days for discretionary use or early office closures. Of those people, 27 percent reported their employers would like them to stay connected and 11 percent said their employers would like them to work. About 38 percent said their boss would not want them to work while on vacation.
About one of three respondents with additional time off said they plan on traveling over catching up on errands or work. Almost half of respondents that receive extra time off plan their vacations a month or more in advance. About half of those using extra time will plan their vacations while at work.
About a third of respondents said the longest road trip they would take for a three-day weekend would be five to seven hours away. One quarter of respondents’ ideal road trip would be to somewhere no more than two to four hours away.
Still, about one in 10 respondents who receive extra time off this summer said they will use the time to catch up on work. Yet not taking vacation might not be worth it ”“ approximately one in three respondents who lost three or more vacation days this summer compared to last reported high stress levels.
