HHGP Hudson Highland Grp., Inc. (MM)

Vacation R&R a Myth for Many Employees, Finds Survey One-Quarter of U.S. Workers Stay Connected with Work While on Vacation NEW YORK, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- While the vast majority (82 percent) of U.S. workers plan on taking time off this summer, nearly one in four (23 percent) plans to check in via phone or email most days, if not every day, while on vacation. This number increases to 38 percent of managers and 40 percent of entrepreneurs. More than half (54 percent) of the workforce does not plan on connecting with the office at all while they are away, according to a new survey by Hudson. With so many employees thinking about work during their time off, it is not surprising that 34 percent return to the office either more stressed or just as stressed as when they left. Managers appear to be among the worst at relaxing while on vacation, as nearly four in ten (39 percent) come back to the office no better off. "The fact that so many workers check in with the office while they are on vacation indicates that many work environments compel employees to keep working even when they're supposed to be taking a break," says Alicia Barker, vice-president of human resources, Hudson North America. "Even though managers are the most guilty in this respect, they should understand that this behavior increases the chances of early burnout among their best and brightest." In addition, approximately one-fifth (19 percent) of workers report that they get less accomplished during the summer months. However, nearly one- third (32 percent) say they get more done, a figure that jumps to 47 percent for younger individuals (ages 18-29). Hudson also asked whether individuals' organizations have informal "summer hours" where people work less than they do at other times of the year. Only 17 percent do, although 26 percent of government workers enjoy this benefit. All Workers Managers Entrepreneurs Ages 18-29 Ages 50-64 Check in everyday while on vacation 14% 25% 29% 14% 17% Return to the office more stressed 21% 27% 24% 25% 17% Less productive during summer 19% 21% 18% 22% 17% More productive during summer 34% 37% 43% 47% 25% The Hudson vacation survey is based on a national poll of 1,575 U.S. workers and was compiled by Rasmussen Reports, LLC, an independent research firm (http://www.rasmussenreports.com/). Hudson, one of the world's leading professional staffing, outsourcing and human capital solution providers, also publishes the Hudson Employment Index(SM), a monthly measure of the U.S. workforce's confidence in the employment market. Next month's Hudson Employment Index(SM) will be released on June 1, 2005. Hudson Hudson delivers specialized professional staffing, outsourcing and human capital solutions worldwide. From single placements to total solutions, the firm attracts, retains and develops talent to meet the specific business needs of each client. Global practice areas include Accounting & Finance; Engineering, Operations & Scientific; Healthcare; Human Resources; IT & Telecommunications; Legal; and Sales & Marketing. Hudson is a division of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:HHGP) one of the world's leading professional staffing, retained executive search and human capital solution providers. More information is available at http://www.hudson.com/. DATASOURCE: Hudson CONTACT: Jennifer Bernhart of Hudson, +1-813-890-7379, ; or Anshula Ahluwalia of Ogilvy Public Relations, +1-312-397-6074, , for Hudson Web site: http://www.hudson.com/ http://www.rasmussenreports.com/

Copyright