45% of Australian workers embrace ‘quiet vacationing’ — Robert Half survey
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — A recent survey by Robert Half reveals that nearly half (45%) of Australian workers are embracing a new trend dubbed “quiet vacationing,” where they work remotely from holiday destinations without informing their employers.
The survey was conducted online in June 2024 and included 1,000 full-time office workers across Australia.
It found that 12% have already done “quiet vacationing,” and another 33% would consider it in the future. The trend is particularly prevalent among younger workers, with 57% of Gen Z employees more likely to engage in this practice compared to their older counterparts.
Reasons behind ‘quiet vacationing’
The reasons for this behavior vary:
- 53% view it as leveraging remote work benefits
- 42% aim to save money on unpaid leave
- 36% seek to extend their holidays
- 27% believe it boosts their productivity
- 25% fear employer disapproval of holiday requests
“As remote work continues to evolve, the concept of work and personal life is likely to become increasingly fluid,” said Nicole Gorton, Director at Robert Half.
“But at a time when more employers are calling staff back to the office, this will become more challenging given the new in-office requirements.”
Employer reactions and implications
Interestingly, many employees believe their actions would have minimal consequences if discovered. Thirty-six percent of respondents believed their employers would do nothing as long as the work was completed.
On the other hand, 28% thought their employers would feel trust had been broken, and another 28% anticipated receiving a formal warning or disciplinary action. A small portion (7%) feared termination of their employment.
“While all employees deserve and need a holiday to fully recharge, combining work and personal life in this way without disclosing it to your employers can erode trust and lead to conflict,” warned Gorton.
She advised companies to understand the motivations behind ‘quiet vacationing’ to prevent potential conflicts.
“By understanding employees’ reasons, employers can create more supportive and flexible work environments while also setting clear expectations and boundaries to avoid potential misconduct.”
