The Tethered Vacation
RESEARCH October 11, 2017
Technology and the ever-present workplace have drastically altered the way Americans vacation. The Tethered Vacation looks at the connection between workplace unplugging culture and employee technology usage. Most employees (46%) report that they check in with work occasionally during vacation while smaller percentages are logging on frequently (27%) or taking the step to entirely unplug (27%).
Whatever boundaries they set, employees want the peace of mind that connectivity provides, with an overwhelming majority (78%) saying they want the ability to access work if they choose to.
The growth of domestic travel is central to U.S. Travel’s overall mission. We support policies to improve travel infrastructure and national parks, among others, and foster programs and research that encourage increased domestic travel.
In the fall of 2018, U.S. Travel folded its domestic leisure-focused Project: Time Off initiative into an expanded public affairs portfolio, enhancing the association’s advocacy and research on domestic travel. Analysis that informs and advances this area of focus—including tracking America’s vacation usage and its benefits to travelers—is included in U.S. Travel’s research and messaging platforms for our members’ use and in support of activations such as National Plan for Vacation Day.
QUICK FACTS
27 %
Unplug from work on vacation
Only one-in-four U.S. employees take the step to fully unplug from the office during vacation. Most (46%) report checking in occasionally and some check in frequently (27%) while they are away.
78 %
Want access to work
The overwhelming majority of employees say they want the ability to connect with work should they choose.