Editor's comment: Who has time for holidays?

Editor's comment: Who has time for holidays?

It's that time of year when the perennial question is, "Where are you going on holiday?" For many people, particularly in a deadline-driven industry such as construction, the very thought of being able to leave what they are doing and spend two weeks lying on a beach is their worst nightmare.

And the latest figures from the Chartered Management Institute certainly back this up. Its research has found that almost two-thirds of executives in the construction industry don't take their full quota of holidays – and almost half are losing up to two weeks' holiday a year because they fail to take time off.

Perhaps that explains the results of a recent study carried out on behalf of the HSE. It found that work-related stress is at its most prevalent among site and senior management within the construction industry.

But as Constructing Better Health – which CJ is working with on the issue of work-related health – points out, not taking annual leave because of pressures of work can only lead to further pressure, not only with work, but also in the family home.

Getting the balance right is tricky. With work being such a focus in everyone's lives today, it can often seem impossible to meet deadlines and take time off. But over-worked, over-stretched, over-tired managers who refuse to take holidays because of pressure of work are unlikely to end up helping themselves, their fellow managers, or their colleagues.

The construction industry's Respect for People agenda is becoming increasingly important – as seen in the popularity of this year's CJ Best Places to Work in Construction Awards. But Respect for People doesn't just apply to site personnel, it's equally important for management – and that means achieving a good work-life balance that includes holidays. After all, how many people do you know who regret taking too much holiday?

Emma Penny, Editor, Contract Journal, 21 June 2006