IT sector puts holiday plans on hold

IT executives are shelving holiday plans for 2008 as pressure to achieve targets in difficult conditions continues to bite.

According to research from the Chartered Management Institute, one in three executives will not use their full holiday entitlement this year, opting instead to carry days over to 2009.

Earlier research by the organisation revealed that 23 per cent of employers admitted their staff fear restructuring and job insecurity, against a backdrop of redundancy rates doubling to three per cent over the past year.

Employees also blame a lack of support from employers for their 'lack of rest'. When questioned why they are unable to take their full holiday entitlement, 34 per cent cited extensive workloads. A further 28 per cent claimed they have to use holiday time to care for dependents, and 10 per cent said they have the option to give back unused holiday for flexible working options.

Many are shelving holiday plans to remain employable, the Institute claimed. A total of 17 per cent in the IT sector use their holiday to develop skills to make them recession proof, 51 per cent do not want to let colleagues down, and 33 per cent are focused on 'meeting project deadlines'.

However those that do venture abroad are still thinking of work, the survey revealed. A total of 47 per cent regularly check work emails and 40 per cent dial-in to pick up voicemail messages. A further 15 per cent claim a holiday is a good time to 'catch up on background reading'.

Jo Causon, director of marketing and corporate affairs at the Chartered Management Institute, said: “There is clearly a fear that ‘out of sight means out of mind’ but without a proper break individual performance can suffer and employers will notice mistakes more than they will absence through holiday. Individuals need to recognise this and use holiday time to recharge their batteries.”

The survey also revealed that despite the worries, individuals recognise the value of holidays. A total of 73 per cent in the IT sector encourage team members to use their full entitlement, and 92 per cent claimed it helps refresh their enthusiasm for work. When questioned about a line manager going on holiday, 67 per cent said it was a positive opportunity to take on more responsibility, and 52 per cent enjoyed the chance to work more closely with senior managers.