Staff cutbacks are one reason U.S. workers aren't taking earned leave, says productivity trainer Joe Robinson. "More people doing the jobs of several makes it hard to escape."
Carl Court/Getty Images
'Defensive overworking' —
According to Roger Dow, president of the United States Travel Association, 28% of workers surveyed declined to take earned days off in order to illustrate dedication. "They say, 'I don't want to be seen as a slacker,'" Dow says.
Photo Illustration/Thinkstock
Work pileup —
"About 40% of workers surveyed say they're afraid of all the work they're going to get to when they get back," says Dow of the USTA. "Work pileup scares the hell out of them."
Spencer Platt/Newsmakers
Digital dependence —
"Another reason people aren't taking their time is they're caught up in 'busyness' and device addiction," says Robinson. Some companies encourage workers to avoid work emails and texts during off hours.
YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images
Performance identity —
"Many people are so caught up on performance identity, worth based on what they get done, they feel guilty when they step back," says Robinson. "They get antsy when they're not doing something productive."
