Like all good things, paid time off is finite for most American workers: 36% have ten days or fewer of paid time off. Even the lucky few with unlimited PTO obviously can’t be off ALL the time- but after the last few years, the need to rest, recharge, and resume travel has never been stronger. What’s the American worker to do with so little paid time off? Amidst the Great Resignation and nearly nonstop talk of worker burnout, American workers need to find ways to recharge on very little time.
In a recent survey of over 1,000 working Americans, GoCity found that many workers, and 50% of Gen Z, are embracing the “workcation” – blending work and vacation in our remote-friendly world. Given that 86% of Americans wish they had more PTO- the ideal number of days averages out to be about 28 – finding a way to relax on the job seems the next logical step. Nearly 1 in 2 Americans check their email while on PTO; Boomers check their email on PTO 62% of the time. A similar number – 48% – of Americans are remote workers, which makes travel all the easier: enter the workcation. Four in 5 American workers find it easier to travel as remote workers, and remote-working Americans are taking advantage.
Of remote workers, 1 in 4 plan on extending a vacation by working remotely for part of it, and over 1 in 5 consider themselves “digital nomads” – remote workers who constantly globetrot, moving from destination to destination while working the whole time remotely. The future is exciting for these remote workers: 1 in 4 plan on working remotely in a different city, state or country in 2023. Top remote work destinations stateside include California, Florida, and Hawaii.
For those blending work and vacations, 27% plan on doing so in 2023, with 1 in 2 Generation Z workers opting for the workcation. Given that 3 in 5 say they’re just as productive on workcations as they are at home, this seems a great way to merge top activities like relaxing and sightseeing with work.
As for large vacation plans, 1 in 3 Americans plan to take two trips this year, and the average American is budgeting roughly $5,000 in 2023 for vacations. The economy is making its presence felt, however, with two-thirds of Americans following a budget for vacations this year and over 1 in 2 citing the economy for cutting back or changing vacations in 2023.
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On vacations, Americans are most interested in the beautiful scenery, trying local cuisine, seeing family and friends, and unique experiences. Top domestic destinations include Hawaii, California, and Florida, and top international destinations are Tokyo, London, and Rome. Whether purely PTO or embracing the newly available workcation, Americans are excited to travel: a recent survey found that over 1 in 2 Americans are planning on traveling more this year than last. With nearly endless opportunities to work and play in new locations, all Americans need to look for are electricity, wifi, and a work ethic in the midst of new locations.
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