Canadian HR Reporter

E D I T O R I A L 6 www.hrreporter.com EDITORIAL Editor/Supervisor: Sarah Dobson Employment Law Editor: Jeffrey R. Smith Labour Relations News Editor: John Dujay Production Editor: Patricia Cancilla Contributors: Laura Williams Manon Poirier CORPORATE Chief Executive Officer: Mike Shipley Chief Operating Officer: George Walmsley President: Tim Duce Chief Information Officer: Colin Chan Human Resources Manager: Julia Bookallil ADVERTISING Business Development Manager: Fred Crossley (416) 644-8740 ext. 236 fred.crossley@keymedia.com Vice President Sales: John Mackenzie PRODUCTION Designer: Ace Dequina Production Coordinator: Kim Kandravy Client Success Coordinator: Kshipra Dhindaw MARKETING AND CIRCULATION NAUK Subscriptions Coordinator: Donnabel Reyes Marketing Coordinator: Charlyn Macaraeg Global Head of Media Marketing: Lisa Narroway ISSUE 34.01.2021 www.hrreporter.com Get ready for workers itching to travel IN the chill of winter, thoughts of a warm locale pop into the minds of many Canadians. With the snow and the slush, who wouldn't rather be soaking up the sun on a beach somewhere? The year 2020 was miserable, if not devastating, and that led to many workers not taking a proper holiday, for a variety of reasons: lack of adequate funds, travel restrictions and COVID-related safety concerns or just not being bothered when there's nowhere to go. A recent survey by ADP found that half (49 per cent) of working Canadians were taking less or no vacation time over the holiday season in December, while an amazing 25 per cent of workers said they took no time off. Also noteworthy: Fifty per cent of women said they took less than half their allotted time off in 2020, compared to 37 per cent for men. Back in the summer, the same was true, with 30 per cent of Canadians saying they were taking fewer summer vacation days, according to a Robert Half survey. But 2021 could look quite different. A lot of people have said they'll only be comfortable going on holiday once there's a vaccine available. And, of course, that's being rolled out in various countries. Plus, many individuals are carrying over their unused days into the new year. As a result, many workers are set to take their full — if not a longer-than-usual — vacation time in 2021. That could be challenging for many employers that have become used to having staff available all the time during the pandemic lockdowns, because there was not much else to do other than work. HR and legal experts have long said employers should encourage staff to take much-needed breaks, because we all know that helps with people's productivity and mental health. And yet, back in June, 67 per cent of respondents said they have received no communication about using up vacation days from their employer. While it won't be easy when it comes to payroll and workload — especially as the economy revives — employers should not only prepare for more employees taking more time off in 2021 but encourage and support the vacation time. After an exhausting year, workers deserve the break more than ever. Sarah Dobson, editor, Canadian HR Reporter group Fifty per cent of women took less than half their allotted time off in 2020, compared to 37 per cent of men Contents of Canadian HR Reporter are copyright © 2021 Key Media Canada (HR) Ltd and may not be reproduced in whole or part without written consent. Key Media Canada (HR) Ltd disclaims any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the contents of this publication and disclaims all liability in respect of the results of any action taken or not taken in reliance upon information in this publication. HST/GST # 79990 3547 RC-0001 Canada Post – Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement 41261516 International Standard Serial Number 0838-228X. The publishers accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, colour transparencies or other materials. Manuscripts or other materials must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. KEY MEDIA and the KEY MEDIA logo are trademarks of Key Media IP Limited, and used under licence by Key Media Canada (HR) Ltd. Canadian HR Reporter is a trademark of Key Media Canada (HR) Ltd. www.hrreporter.com Subscription price: Canada: $175 plus tax; US and International: $175 USD Canadian HR Reporter makes every effort to ensure accuracy in all items reported, but cannot accept responsibility for the representations or claims made by sources used. It is also not responsible for claims made by its advertisers. HR_AD_REVISED_APR_2020.indd 1 HR_AD_REVISED_APR_2020.indd 1 2020-04-24 9:30 AM 2020-04-24 9:30 AM

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