2020 is exhausting but people are taking less time off than usual. Here's why

American knowledge workers are burned out as they continue to adjust to work-related issues caused by COVID-19. But even in the midst of that exhaustion, some are less likely to take time off from work.

That's according to a new survey commissioned by Zapier and conducted online by The Harris Poll. Nearly a third of knowledge workers (32 percent) say their mental health has been negatively impacted by stress caused by the global pandemic—and 22 percent are currently experiencing job burnout. Despite this, 39 percent of Americans have shortened or flat-out canceled their planned time off since March.

In this three part report, we’ll look at why knowledge workers may be avoiding time off, the most stressful parts about returning from a vacation, and strategies for preventing post-vacation burnout.

American knowledge workers are increasingly burned out—and it’s impacting their work

It's clear that the pandemic is increasing personal stress levels, but it's also affecting professional motivation and work productivity.

• 23 percent feel like they're working 24/7 because they're working from home.

• 22 percent are currently experiencing job burnout.

• 20 percent feel more burned out at work than usual.

• 20 percent admit they've felt less productive at work over the past five months.

This stress and burnout is taking a toll on mental health.

• Nearly a third, 32 percent, say their mental health has been negatively impacted by stress caused by the global pandemic.

• 22 percent say their mental health has been negatively impacted by drastic company changes such as layoffs or restructuring.

• 18 percent say their mental health has been negatively impacted by working from home while their family is there.

Despite this, many Americans are taking less time off, or none at all

More than 1 in 6 knowledge workers (17 percent) say increasing responsibilities at work is a major reason they want to take time off right now. But not everyone is taking steps to alleviate this strain.

Since March, 39 percent of American knowledge workers have canceled or shortened their time off.

So why aren't people taking time off when they arguably need it the most?

• 33 percent feel it’s a waste to take time off from work right now because of travel restrictions.

• 24 percent believe it’s hard to justify taking time off from work because they're already working from home.

• 13 percent say they likely won’t take any time off from work until the pandemic is over.

The numbers paint a picture of stressed-out workers who are hesitant to take time off. It will be up to companies to ensure that employees are taking the time off that they need. Whether that's through mandatory PTO minimums, extra mental health days, or simply modeling time off from leadership teams, new measures will be necessary as we adjust to the current reality. Measures like this might be necessary as we all adjust to the current reality.

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