Human Resources: RECESSION WOES PUT VACATION DAYS IN THE RED

SUNNYVALE - Increasing workloads and threats of a recession have
   Americans feeling stressed and in desperate need of some time off.
   However, results from Yahoo! HotJobs¹ latest survey indicate that rest
   and relaxation are the first workplace casualties of rough economic
   times this summer. In fact, 51 percent of respondents to Yahoo!
   HotJobs¹ second annual summer vacation survey report that they are
   planning to forgo their vacation this year and save money instead.

   A perfect storm of economic factors is developing, says Tom Musbach,
   senior managing editor, Yahoo! HotJobs. The economic downturn is
   leading to layoffs and stretched resources, which in turn leads to
   increased workloads and pressure to improve performance. Employees, now
   more than ever, need a break from the pressure, but are instead choosing
   to forgo vacation in order to meet growing demands and protect dwindling
   wallets. Eventually something will have to give.

   When asked how the economy is impacting their workplace, 35 percent of
   respondents say they feel constant pressure to improve performance,
   despite 44 percent of employees reporting they have a heavier workload
   than last year. Economic stress has even led 38 percent of respondents
   to look for a new job and 35 percent to update their resume.

   Last year¹s summer vacation survey revealed that 45 percent of
   respondents left unused vacation days on the table, says Musbach. As
   the economic downturn continues, pressures rise, and the year
   progresses, it will be interesting to monitor vacation patterns to see
   if 51 percent of employees forgo vacation as indicated, or if that
   number continues to increase.

   On the Brink of Burnout
   With employees facing constant stress, it should be no surprise that
   burnout is on the rise. The majority of survey respondents (57 percent)
   report feeling burned out by work, up from 49 percent last year.

   According to survey results, some of the biggest workplace stressors
   include (from most to least stressful):
   1. Leadership structure
   2. Lack of resources to get work done
   3. Too much work, unappreciative or demanding clients and the boss (all
   tied)
   4. Poor economy
   5. Co-workers

   Specifically, 44 percent of respondents say they are less focused when
   they feel stressed and 36 percent say they are less productive.

   Unfortunately, employees who do use their vacation days aren¹t
   necessarily spending their break enjoying personal time or interacting
   with friends and family. Many respondents (41 percent) say they take
   time off for a ³mental health² day and 48 percent admit to using their
   time off to run personal errands.

   Staying Sharp
   It is vital for employees to know how to reduce workplace stress to keep
   their productivity and job performance high during these rough economic
   times. While a complete vacation from all work-related activities is
   the best prescription for easing stress, taking time off or traveling
   far away is not always possible or affordable. Here are a few
   alternative suggestions from Yahoo! HotJobs for easing workplace stress:
   · Avoid procrastinating - Pressure to meet deadlines can be a huge
   contributor to workplace stress. If you have extra time to complete a
   task, take advantage of it right away instead of leaving the task to be
   finished in a hurry at the last minute.
   · Learn to say no - Know which tasks fall within your job
   responsibilities and which do not. Don¹t be a collection plate for your
   co-workers¹ unpleasant tasks.
   · Make time for breaks - Taking short breaks throughout the day,
   especially after a stressful event, can help you refocus on your
   priorities and put things in perspective.
   · Take care of yourself - Make sure you are exercising, eating a balanced
   diet, and not skipping meals. Keep yourself hydrated throughout the
   day. Staying healthy will keep your mind sharp and better able to deal
   with those work curveballs.
   · Communicate - No matter how fantastic your boss or co-workers are, no
   one has the ability to read minds. Let your boss or co-workers know if
   you are stressed, overworked, stumped by a difficult work situation, or
   frustrated by leadership. If you are willing to admit you are stressed,
   you can begin to work with your boss and co-workers to remedy the
   situation.

   Escape Workplace Stress, Courtesy of Yahoo! HotJobs
   For all those employees who so desperately need a break from work but
   are saving money instead, Yahoo! HotJobs wants to lend a hand this
   summer. From May 21 through July 14, 2008, visitors to Yahoo! HotJobs
   (www.hotjobs.yahoo.com) can register for a chance to win a luxury travel
   package to Tahiti in the Escape to Tahiti Sweepstakes.* The package, a
   nine day island hopping trip, includes airfare, stays in luxury hotels
   on the islands of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora and activities such as
   snorkeling and JEEP® safaris.

   About the Survey
   Data was collected from more than 1,100 people with jobs via an online
   survey questionnaire across the Yahoo! network and fielded nationwide.
   Fifty-three percent of respondents were male and forty-seven percent
   were female. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to
   participate.