As workplaces gear up for the return to business as usual after the holidays, a recent research study has unearthed surprising insights into the work habits of employees during their annual leave.

The study, which surveyed over 1,000 workers and is nationally representative, has found that a staggering 78% of respondents struggle to disconnect from work-related messages and notifications while on vacation.

Furthermore, the digital itch is apparent, with 83% of workers admitting to sneaking a peek at work-related emails and messages even when spending holidays with loved ones.

These findings shed light on why over a third (37%) of Australian employees have set a goal for 2024 to unplug from work during their days off.

Research initiative

Frank Mondello, General Manager of Coffs Harbour Airport, shared insights into the motivation behind this research initiative, stating, “We know Aussies are hard workers, so we were curious to explore this further, along with the role the Coffs Coast can play in providing a natural antidote to their busy lives.

Within minutes of landing at Coffs Harbour, travelers have access to a plethora of outdoor experiences right at the airport’s doorstep.”

The survey also revealed that 60% of working Australians aspire to spend more time in nature this year, with significantly more workers from New South Wales and Victoria prioritizing outdoor experiences as a New Year’s goal compared to those from Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Mondello emphasized the Coffs Coast’s potential in this regard, saying, “The Coffs Coast has been officially recognized as the first certified ECO Tourism Destination in New South Wales, thanks to its abundant outdoor offerings.

“The airport allows travelers to maximize their long weekends or annual leave by flying directly into a destination where they can engage in activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, surfing, or simply unwinding in the fresh air with a good book. We are on a mission, in collaboration with the local tourism industry, to help busy Aussie workers find their ‘Coff Switch.'”

This tourism initiative aims to capture the attention of travelers, as Coffs Harbour Airport takes the lead in promoting visitation to a region that has long been overshadowed by crowded beach holiday destinations on the East Coast.

Fly-drive holidays

Mondello also highlighted the affordability of fly-drive holidays, stating, “Seventy-six percent of respondents said they would consider flying to Coffs Harbour for a holiday in the next 12 months.

“We also know that car hire costs have reduced as supply chain pressures have eased, making a fly-and-drive holiday more accessible to many. We are confident that a joint industry effort will lead to increased aviation access to the region.”

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Cr Paul Amos expressed enthusiasm for this new push, saying, “Coffs Harbour is the ideal place for Aussies to disconnect, spend quality time in the great outdoors, and savor our burgeoning food and drink scene.

“The region’s tourism industry is experiencing a renaissance, with new accommodations and experiences giving travelers fresh reasons to visit. Coffs Harbour Airport’s proactive approach to encouraging travelers to find their ‘Coff Switch’ is a win-win for the region and for busy Australians.”

Additional findings from the research include:

– New South Wales (88%) and Victoria (86%) have some of the highest proportions of workers who sneakily check work-related content while on holiday with loved ones.
– Among the generational workforce, millennials aged 35-44 find it most challenging to disconnect from work messages and notifications during holidays (87%), compared to 66% of working baby boomers (aged 65+).
– In New South Wales, 84% of workers find it difficult to switch off from emails and other work-related messages while on vacation.
– Both women and men are equally likely to sneak a peek at work-related emails and notifications while on holiday (85% and 83%, respectively).
– Thirty-eight percent of workers aspire to spend more time with family in 2024, with this figure slightly higher in New South Wales at 42%, and a striking 88% of Tasmanians eager to spend more quality time with their families.

The research findings highlight the challenge many Australian workers face in finding the elusive ‘Coff Switch’ that allows them to truly unwind during their holidays.