Canadian employees who took vacation in 2024 worked, on average, an additional 13.6 hours on top of their regular work hours to prepare for and catch up after taking time off, according to a new survey by ADP Canada.
The survey, which polled more than 1,200 employees, found nearly a third (31 per cent) said they took all of their allotted vacation time for 2024, similar to the previous year but still well below pre-pandemic figures (48 per cent).
On a scale of one to 10, workers reported an average happiness score of 6.6, down from 6.7 in November. By generation, baby boomers reported the highest happiness score (7.2), followed by generation Z and millennials (6.7 each) and generation X (6.4).
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Almost half (45 per cent) of workers said they feel satisfied with their current roles and responsibilities. The top indicator driving workplace happiness was work-life balance (6.8), followed by recognition and support (6.5), compensation and benefits (6.2) and options for career advancement (5.9).
“While the holiday season can embrace feelings of relaxation, comfort and celebration, for many workers in Canada that are able to take time off for the holidays, it may also pose additional stressors in preparation for and recovering from this week,” said Heather Haslam, vice-president of marketing at ADP Canada, in a press release.
“By offering work-life balance options, flexible deadlines and structured hand off processes, employees can feel more supported as they prepare and return from vacation — encouraging paid time off rather than fraying from it.”
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