1st February 2007
A report by Virgin Holidays has revealed that people aren’t enjoying
holidays as much as they used to be due to the fact that work obsessed Brits
are incapable of switching off from their jobs whilst away. As a direct
response to these findings, Virgin Holidays has launched ‘Disconnection
Therapy for Holidaymakers’, to help people enjoy their time away without
stressing about the office.
The report reveals that over half - 56% - of those questioned admitted to
contacting the office whilst abroad, while 40% head off with suitcases packed
with work items including documents to read by the pool, PDAs and laptops. 38%
actually admitted visiting an internet café or using their personal
computer equipment to check work emails.
The report also uncovered that 32% of those questioned admitted to becoming
irritated by their partners constant discussions relating to work while away,
forcing a quarter (26 per cent) of partners to beg their other half to quit
the shoptalk. In fact, work is regarded as the main cause for holiday
bust ups due to the fact that partners won’t switch off from work.
The ‘Disconnection Therapy for Holidaymakers’ programme, featuring
life coach guru Pete Cohen in a series of six short downloadable films, is
available to view and download at www.virginholidays.com/disconnect. These
coach people through how to leave their work worries behind, fight the temptation
to contact the office, manage the anxiety they feel about being ‘disconnected’ and
make the most of time with loved ones.
Andrew Shelton, spokesperson for Virgin Holidays said: “We are committed
to helping holidaymakers get the most out of their holidays. We hope
this service will encourage people to switch off from their work and enjoy
their holiday to the full.”
Pete Cohen said: “We all need to use holidays as a time to reconnect
and invest in our most important relationships in order to restore our work/life
balance and put the fun back into going away. While lots of people go
on holiday, many are not actually taking a holiday. It is vital we learn
how to reprioritise and put work into a healthy perspective.”
Contact:
Virgin Holiday Press Office
Phone: 01293 744 228
Email: press.office@virginholidays.co.uk
Website: www.virginholidays.co.uk/info/press/