Nearly
90 per cent of employees claim the resource gap created by work colleagues
taking vacation creates a drastic increase in workloads and soaring stress
levels, according to a survey.
The
study by Office Angels also reveals that more than 67 per cent of respondents
report they work an additional six hours a week on average when they take
responsibility for absent colleagues’ work.
The
survey conducted among 1,500 office employees and employers shows 64 per cent
of office workers dread the summer months when colleagues are on holiday.
Only
25 per cent favour the most positive aspect of summer in the office – the peace
and quiet created by the reduced workforce.
More
than two thirds of employees say their major bone of contention with holidaying
colleagues is inadequate hand-over notes.
This
is followed by having to work extra hours – 35 per cent of colleagues are left
to shoulder the workload through their lunch break, while 20 per cent stay
late.
Paul
Jacobs, UK operations director at Office Angels, said: "Although employees
are to be admired for their commitment, it is clear that employers need to
address the issues created by the annual summer exodus.
"Advance
planning and employment of temporary staff would help reduce stress levels plus
enhance office productivity and morale."
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