Professionals in Australia use less of their annual leave entitlement than any other country

Less than half of Australian working professionals used over 75% of their annual leave last year, according to a recent global poll of more than 1,700 professionals by leading recruitment consultancy Robert Walters.

The web poll, conducted throughout the month of August, revealed that Australian professionals used less of their annual leave entitlement than any other nationality, with just 41% of respondents using over 75% of their annual leave allowance in 2010. In contrast, Ireland had the highest number of professionals using their annual leave entitlement, with the majority (87%) using over 75% of their annual leave allowance. The UK (75%) and Hong Kong (69%) also had a high number of professionals who used over 75% of their annual leave allowance.

Along with the lowest utilisation of annual leave entitlements, Australia also had the highest proportion of professionals who did not take any holiday leave at all (25%).

Robert Walters' Associate Director of Accounting Recruitment, Darran Butcher, says he isn't surprised by the results of the survey.

"'We regularly receive feedback from job-seekers indicating that work-life balance is an issue for them and a key driver for seeking new employment opportunities. Employers who are looking to differentiate themselves in a competitive market and attract top talent therefore should focus on selling any work-life balance initiatives they implement. Organisations seeking to retain their star performers should also consider whether they are doing enough to offer work-life balance."

To learn more about the current job market, please visit the Employment Trends section of our website.

About Robert Walters:
Robert Walters is one of the world's leading global recruitment consultancies, specialising in the placement of permanent, contract and temporary positions across all levels of seniority. Our teams of professional consultants are renowned for their professionalism, integrity and exceptional recruitment consultancy services. In Australia we have offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Chatswood, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.


For more information please contact Steven Coxall on +61 2 8289 3199 or steven.coxall@robertwalters.com.au.