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2024 Annual Public Policy Forum, December 4, 2024 REGISTER

Fifty-four percent of U.S. professionals said they are unable to unplug from work or do not believe they can fully do so while on paid time off (PTO), according to a recent Glassdoor survey.

A similar survey of 336 professionals by Korn Ferry found that 37% said they check in with the office multiple times a day.

Only 8% said they never connect with work while on vacation.

More than half (58%) said being away from the office stresses them out more this year than previously, according to Korn Ferry. The main reason, cited by 47% of respondents, is that staff shortages are leaving them with too much work. Half of professionals said they have cut short or canceled a vacation due to work demands.

While most professionals cannot or do not believe they can fully unplug from work, Glassdoor’s survey found differences based on employee demographics.

Workers ages 45 and older have the most difficulty unplugging while on vacation, according to Glassdoor. Some 65% said they can’t or don’t believe they can fully disconnect from work while on paid time off. Another 47% of professionals ages 21 to 25 said the same.