How a quick getaway could cure your workplace stress

Pressure at work: depressed business woman

Feeling the stress of the office environment? Well, the answer could be as simple as a sneaky little getaway.

According to new research commissioned by Choice Hotels Asia-Pac, over two thirds (67 per cent) of Australians are feeling stressed and in need of more breaks from the daily grind.

And unsurprisingly, money and work are cited as the main causes of stress, 62 per cent and 56 per cent respectively.

The ‘Need A Break’ Report identifies regular short break holidays as the number one preferred solution to relieving stress – ranked above exercise, alcohol, shopping, sleep, a bath, food and even sex!

This was the top response for both men and women, and across all ages, professions and regions.

CEO of Choice Hotels Asia-Pac, Trent Fraser, said it wasn’t surprising that Australians were feeling stressed and in need of a break.

The overwhelming preference would be to take three or four per year (47 per cent) But as a nation of workaholics, nearly a quarter of Australians (24 per cent) didn’t take a single short break in 2016 and more than a fifth (22 per cent) only took one.

Businessman Floating Outdoors in Tropical Sea Working on Laptop

When we do manage to get away, more than 40 per cent of Australians keep in contact with work via phone or email, even during short one to three night breaks. 71 per cent of “workaholics” felt no guilt towards connecting with the office.

“Our own research corroborates this, with 62 per cent of Aussies saying that work related pressures are preventing them from getting away and this led to almost a quarter of us (24 per cent) not taking a single short break in 2016,” Fraser said.

Even outside of the workplace, Australians don’t seem to be taking a break, with 40 per cent of families with teenagers agreeing they couldn’t get away because of activities and other commitments.

“We want to encourage Australians to start taking some well-deserved time out for themselves before they reach breaking point,” Fraser added.

Despite wanting short breaks, Aussies feel that they simply aren’t able to take enough of them, but with so much stress across the population it is important, as the benefits are enormous.

“Our research showed that after a short 1-3 night short break, 75 percent of people felt they had a greater balance back in their lives, almost two thirds (59 per cent) of people felt happier and almost half had a closer connection with their partners and kids, so there is no doubt about the benefits,” Fraser said.

Woman relaxing in hammock on beach

82 per cent of Aussies feel revitalised after a short break, and almost half of Australians (44 per cent) feel closer connections to their partners or kids.

In response to this research, Choice Hotels Asia-Pac has today launched its new “Need A Break” campaign, highlighting Australia’s over stressed population and the need to start taking some simple steps to restoring a sense of balance back into Aussies’ lives.

“Our new website, NeedaBreak.com, provides tips and advice for dealing with life’s pressures that are impeding our ability to take a short break and recharge the batteries,” Fraser said.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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