Product category:
Environment
News Release from: Chartered Management Institute | Subject: Execs holidays
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 06 July 2007
Climate change ignored by execs in
engineering
Calls to cut the UK 'carbon footprint' are being ignored by managers in the engineering sector as they plan their annual summer getaway
According to Chartered Management Institute research, the majority of managers in the sector are still failing to take their full holiday entitlement, but when they do leave work, they intend to travel as far as possible The Chartered Management Institute survey found an overwhelming majority in the engineering sector (76 per cent) will not change their travel plans, despite rising concerns about climate change
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 13 Dec 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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A minority (13 per cent) suggested they might fly less and just 1 per cent claimed they will no longer travel by air.
Only 7 per cent said they will holiday in the UK, with the most popular destinations listed as the Caribbean, Australia, Canada and the Greek Islands.
However, signalling recognition of the need to address environmental issues, 22 per cent in the engineering sector already offset their flights, or wider travel arrangements.
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Continuing the trend of recent years, the survey shows many senior executives fail to book their full holiday allowance.
63 per cent admitted they will not use all available days this year, a figure that has increased from 40 per cent in 2003.
With 74 per cent in the sector suggesting that holidays help them 'cope better with work stress', it is also surprising that 39 per cent of respondents intend to carry holiday time over to the next calendar year.
According to the survey results, an overwhelming majority in the sector (96 per cent) believe holidays help them 'recharge their batteries', so it is surprising that 21.6 million holiday days are not taken each year by managers in the UK - a cost benefit to organisations of more than GBP4 billion.
Asked why they are prepared to sacrifice time off, one-quarter in the engineering sector blamed excessive workloads.
Some also admitted it was down to 'poor personal planning' (11 per cent) and 'enjoyment of work' (4 per cent).
With so many days remaining unused, respondents in the sector were asked if they could exchange holiday entitlement for other benefits.
Surprisingly, for 65 per cent 'no options' are available, but 13 per cent said unused days could be 'sold back' for cash.
13 per cent of organisations in the sector offer flexible working options as an alternative to holidays - perhaps reflecting the growth in concern over environmental and work-life balance issues.
Jo Causon, director, marketing and corporate affairs at the Chartered Management Institute, says: "Taking time off for a proper break is not a sign of weakness, so individuals should be encouraged to use their holiday entitlement to the full.
With growing numbers also keen to offset their travel arrangements perhaps employers could consider carbon offsetting as an option for employees looking to exchange unused holiday time".
The 2007 survey also explored attitudes to calls by the TUC for a new bank holiday in October.
A majority of managers in the engineering sector came out in favour, with 59 per cent supporting the concept and 9 per cent claiming they use current holiday time to 'get involved with voluntary or charity work'.
37 per cent agreed that UK holiday entitlement should be 'brought in line with EU countries'.
Only 32 per cent believe it would create disruption for employers.
Jo Causon comments: "The debate about creating another bank holiday is certainly gathering pace and support.
The initial idea was for a bank holiday to be used to celebrate and promote community activity and there is clearly a desire for the voluntary work that so many perform to be recognised.
It could also provide individuals with an opportunity to balance work commitments with a desire to support their local community, with little long-term disruption to business".
The findings in this survey also reflect some of those found in an in-depth report exploring the 'value of volunteering' (January 2006).
It discovered that 78 per cent of managers are actively involved in some form of voluntary activity and that, for 60 per cent, this takes place within their local community.
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