As Labor Day approaches, millions of workers across America are looking forward to a well-deserved long weekend. But for many workers, three days just isn’t enough. A new study from Retrospec surveyed 1,000 U.S. employees about their holiday plans, and the findings reveal some surprising – and creative – ways people are extending their break.
The research highlights the lengths to which workers will go for a little extra time off, showing the broader challenges of work-life balance in today’s workplace. Whether it’s using PTO, leaning on flexible work policies, or calling in “sick”, employees are determined to squeeze the most out of the unofficial end of summer.
Taking the Time the Traditional Way
The most common strategy is also the most straightforward: 37% of workers say they plan to use paid time off before or after the holiday. For many, it’s an opportunity to turn a three-day weekend into a four or five-day getaway, a chance to travel further or simply unwind at home without the stress of rushing back to work.
Working Smarter (or Longer)
Others are getting strategic. About 25% of workers say they’ll put in extra hours leading up to the holiday so they can leave early or take additional time off. This reflects a growing trend of employees managing their schedules proactively to create the flexibility they need.
Meanwhile, 19% of respondents will take advantage of work-from-home policies to accommodate their Labor Day travel plans. For remote-capable workers, this can mean skipping a commute, traveling earlier, or working from a different location to ease into the holiday.
Swapping Shifts and Strategic Travel
Flexibility also comes in the form of teamwork: 18% of employees plan to swap shifts with coworkers, a common approach in industries like retail, healthcare, and hospitality, where coverage is essential.
Another 15% say they’re timing their travel strategically by leaving late Sunday night or early Monday morning to make their trip without burning through PTO. It’s a small but effective hack that helps workers stretch out their plans without raising eyebrows at the office.
The “Sick Day” Dilemma
Perhaps the most eye-catching statistic is that 14% of workers admit they plan to call out “sick” to get extra time off. While it’s not a new tactic, the figure highlights how many employees feel the need to bend the rules to recharge. This raises questions about workplace culture, paid leave policies, and whether companies are providing enough flexibility for workers to balance their professional and personal lives.
Unpaid Time Off Still a Factor
Finally, 13% of workers say they’ll simply take unpaid time off to extend their weekend. Though less common, it shows that for some employees, rest and personal time are worth the financial tradeoff.
A Broader Reflection on Work-Life Balance
The survey offers more than just a peek into holiday plans; it reflects how employees across industries navigate the pressures of their jobs. With burnout and stress still common concerns in the workplace, holidays like Labor Day serve as a reminder of the ongoing need for rest, recovery, and flexibility.
As Americans pack their bags or plan backyard barbecues this Labor Day, one thing is clear: workers are doing whatever it takes to carve out a little more time for themselves.
Full study: https://retrospec.com/blogs/news/the-labor-day-report
Leave a Reply