Employees in Malaysia enjoy only 12 days of vacation a year

According to global travel technology company Expedia's latest study, out of the 19 countries surveyed for vacation deprivation, employees from 13 countries go on vacations for less than 20 days in a year.

Working adults from Japan, Thailand, and the US top the list for taking 10 days off for vacation - the least on a global scale, with their counterparts in Malaysia and Singapore taking 12 and 14 days respectively:

Japan

• No. of days received: 20
• No. of days used: 10

The United States

• No. of days received: 14
• No. of days used: 10

Thailand

• No. of days received: 10
• No. of days used: 10

Malaysia

• No. of days received: 16
• No. of days used: 12

Taiwan

• No. of days received: 14
• No. of days used: 12

Australia

• No. of days received: 20
• No. of days used: 14

Mexico

• No. of days received: 15
• No. of days used: 14

Singapore

• No. of days received: 15
• No. of days used: 14

South Korea

• No. of days received: 15
• No. of days used: 14

Hong Kong

• No. of days received: 14
• No. of days used: 14

New Zealand

• No. of days received: 20
• No. of days used: 15

India

• No. of days received: 20
• No. of days used: 15

Canada

• No. of days received: 17
• No. of days used: 15

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The 18th annual Vacation Deprivation study reported that more than half of workers globally (58%) describe themselves as very or somewhat vacation deprived, an increase from 53%  in 2017 and 49% in 2016.

In the US, finances are cited as the biggest reason as to why Americans had not taken a vacation in the last six months, with 54% feeling like they cannot afford a trip. This percentage is more than any other country surveyed except South Korea.

Nisreene Atassi, global head of communications for Brand Expedia, said: "One of the leading reasons people do not use their vacation days is that they're saving them for a big trip, which means they're going longer and longer between vacations." However, she added that while bigger vacations are great, making short holiday plans such as a staycation, can significantly improve the quality of life.

Surprisingly, more than six in 10 Americans had gone six months or longer without a vacation and out of those who do take a break, 25% admitted to checking work email/voicemail at least once a day while on vacation.

"A wellness-centric trip doesn't have to mean a spa or yoga retreat, although those are popular options," said Atassi. "For most of us, recharging simply means we need to disconnect and slow down. Whether it's a family vacation or a solo escape, set rules about how often you're allowed to check email and try not to overschedule your days."

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Infographics / Expedia

Photo / 123RF