Singapore 5th most vacation-deprived country globally while Japan’s utilisation of vacation days ranks lowest in the world

Expedia has released the 24th edition of its global Vacation Deprivation study, revealing insights into the work-life balance of over 11,000 workers from the Asia-Pacific region.

The report places Singapore as the 5th most vacation-deprived country globally, with 66% of workers feeling deprived, an increase of 4% from the previous year. Millennials in Singapore are particularly affected, with 66% reporting vacation deprivation compared to the global average of 62%. Gen Z follows closely at 63%, while only 46% of Boomers feel deprived.

Key insights include:

• Vacation days: Singaporeans receive an average of 20.2 vacation days annually, slightly below the global average of 22 days. However, 57% did not use all their vacation days in 2023, averaging 19.1 days taken and leaving 1.1 days unused.

• Gender disparities: Women in Singapore receive fewer vacation days (18.1) compared to men (21.8). They also feel more deprived (66% vs. 59%) and leave more days unused (2.2 vs. 0.4 days).

• Future plans: In 2024, Singaporeans plan to take 20.1 vacation days, with 10% intending to exceed their allotted days, 39% planning to use all their days, and 50% not using all their days. Only 1% have unlimited vacation days.

Meanwhile, Singaporeans express several benefits from taking vacations, including:

• A break from routine (57%)
• Feeling refreshed (51%)
• Improved mental health (41%)
• Something to look forward to (41%)

Expedia’s data also outlines that despite these benefits, many workers face some challenges:

• Stress factors: Returning to a large number of emails and work (74%), fear of missing out on important work (62%), and guilt about colleagues covering their work (55%).

• Employer support: 74% feel their employer supports taking vacation time.

Expedia’s report also highlights contrasting trends in other areas of the region, offering potential lessons for Singapore:

• Japan: Despite the lowest utilisation rate of vacation days (63%), Japanese workers take time off regularly and report feeling the most refreshed after vacations. They often use weekends and federal holidays for short getaways.

• France: French workers spread their vacation days throughout the year, avoiding the pressure of a single big trip.

• Hong Kong: Workers here are proactive, often taking more vacation days than allotted.

Japan’s unique position

According to the annual Vacation Deprivation Report conducted by Expedia, in 2023, the average number of vacation days provided to workers in Japan was 19 days. An average of 12 vacation days were taken, for a utilization rate of 63%. This rate was the lowest among the 11 regions around the world.

The most common reason given for not taking vacations was, “Work schedule did not allow for vacation/not enough staff to cover (32%),” followed by, “To save my vacation for unexpected leave (31%).”

Despite the fact that Japan’s utilization rate for vacation days was the lowest in the world, nearly half (47%) of those working in Japan said they did not feel vacation deprived. This is the highest percentage in the world.

As the report highlights regarding the frequency of taking vacation days, 30% of those working in Japan said they take vacation day(s) every month, the highest percentage in the world. Perhaps by taking time off regularly for short periods of time, they do not feel like they are deprived of vacation time.

 56% of those working in Japan said they felt refreshed by their last vacation. This percentage that exceeds over half, was the highest among the 11 regions.

Regarding the impact of utilising vacation days, nearly 90% (86%) of those working in Japan said that it is important for their general health and well-being. 

Although Japan has a lower rate of vacation days’ utilisation than other regions of the world, Expedia’s data suggests that the importance of taking leave is recognized in the country.

Gen Z workers in Australia

According to Expedia, Gen Z workers in Australia are the most vacation-deprived in the region, with 70% feeling they lack sufficient time off. This generation leaves an average of 2.8 days unused annually, potentially leading to significant lost vacation time over their careers.

Factors contributing to the Gen Z segment’s lack of vacations include:

• FOMO and guilt: 50% fear missing out on important work, and the same percentage feel guilty about coworkers covering their tasks.

• Big trips and stress: Many Gen Z travellers save for significant trips, leading to unused leave days. Booking travel is also stressful, with 64% unsure about getting the best deals.

Despite these challenges, the report highlights that Gen Zers have ambitious travel plans, including witnessing the Northern Lights and exploring Japan during blossom season.

Header image credit: Expedia