Over a quarter of Brits blame basic holiday allowance for their lack of productivity

Holiday rental company Optima Villas asked 10,000 Brits whether they were happy with their holiday allowance at work, and what would make them more productive during office hours – and between flexitime and better training opportunities, it seems there’s plenty of room to motivate employees across the UK.

After the BBC reported in October last year that UK productivity had pushed “above its pre-crisis levels”, this new study reveals just what it will take for Brits to stay stimulated during their time in the office. With Christmas behind us and the gruelling 9-5 back in full swing, more than a third of Brits surveyed – and 53% of 55-64 year olds – admitted a more flexible approach to working hours would boost their productivity levels.

Off the clock
While 66% of survey respondents said they’re happy with their holiday allowance, 29% of Brits said a few extra days off each year would improve their productivity.

On top of this, a fifth believe time away from the office would enhance employee productivity, and that longer breaks throughout the working day would help them stay focused on the task at hand. This is something respondents in the North East feel particularly passionate about, with 46% of those surveyed saying extended breaks would help them stay motivated.

Development concerns
26% of all Brits surveyed called for more efficient operating systems in the workplace, blaming a lack of up-to-date technology for their productivity shortage.

For over a fifth of respondents, better training opportunities could be the key to increased motivation – with 45-54 year olds being particularly keen to improve their workplace knowledge. Meanwhile, 13% said they thought extra responsibility would make them more focused on their role.

Company culture
Respondents were also invited to suggest what they thought would make them more productive at work, with improved management attitudes and colleague relationships proving particularly important to UK workers. With survey results revealing that staff want a more flexible approach to working, will 2017 be the year businesses give their staff the freedom they’re looking for?

Nick Ball, Marketing Manager at Optima Villas said: “It’s understandable that Brits believe more holidays throughout the year would make them more productive at work. Sometimes we all just need time away from the office to recharge the batteries – and a week in the sun never hurts.”

Key results from the survey
Do you think your holiday allowance at work is acceptable?

• Yes: 66.4%
• No: 33.6%

Which of the following would make you more productive at work?

• Flexitime: 35.0%
• More holiday allowance: 28.5%
• More efficient operating systems: 26:0%
• More training opportunities: 21.0%
• Longer breaks: 19.5%
• More responsibility: 13.0%
• Other: 2.5%