In a survey of customers’ quality of life, Wotif.com, has found that in general people are happy with their work and are maintaining a healthy work/leisure balance by taking frequent getaways.
Off to work we go. Despite the fact that more than 57% of respondents work 40 or more hours each week, over 75% stated they were coping with work or actually enjoying getting up and going to work, and nearly a quarter (24%) are content and would not make any changes to their work.
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Getting away from it all! It appears time out is the key to this contentment with taking a holiday the most preferred method for relieving or preventing stress at work, and 42% of respondents taking
all four weeks of their annual leave every year. Short and frequent is the most popular option for taking leave, with 32% opting to take frequent long weekends and short breaks throughout the year, and 22% taking several one week breaks across the year.
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When on leave the majority of respondents (62%) choose to pack their bags and get away from it all! The effect is clear with 56% feeling healthier and balanced after a holiday, and 23% feeling revitalised and fresh - like a new person!
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Finding a balance. According to Dr Sarah Edelman**, psychologist at the University of Technology Sydney, taking time out to participate in leisure activities is important for maintaining quality of life. “In these busy times we hear a lot about stress and the potential consequences for our physical and mental health. There is no doubt that living with ongoing stress is potentially harmful. While technology has created lots of labour saving devices designed to make our lives easier, many people are working longer hours, and not infrequently, under more stressful conditions.”
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“In these circumstances it is particularly important to take time out to recharge the batteries. Participating in leisure activities, whether it’s holidays and travel, playing sport, going out with friends or doing anything that you enjoy, provides a counterbalance to the demands and stresses of daily life. It’s important for mental and physical health, and for quality of life in general.”
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Show me the money! When it comes to changes in the workplace, if there was one change that respondents would make it would be their salary. According to 44% they are worth more.
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Destination anywhere. It appears actual destination is not high on the agenda with the majority of respondents describing their dream destination as ‘anywhere’ as long as it is a holiday. For those that did name a dream destination, popular options included: Europe, tropical islands, North Qld, Italy, Canada and Hawaii.
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Sand, sun and fun. Fun in the sun is the most ideal type of getaway with 30% preferring to hit the beach for some sun, sand and surf, and 42% choosing tropical island bliss - with ocean, palm trees and cocktails.
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Walking on sunshine. Opinion differs on the lasting effects of taking a holiday. 41% claim their holiday mood takes them through the first week, while 38% say by the end of the first day, it’s like they never left.
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Graeme Wood, CEO of Wotif.com, commented: “The aim of the Quality of Life survey was to measure the perceived quality of life and social conditions affecting our customers, so that we can continue to look for ways to improve our service and offerings to better meet their needs.”

“Since pioneering the online last-minute accommodation market in Australasia, Wotif.com has become a valued and trusted consumer brand. Our customers use our website not only because we deliver great accommodation deals, but because we also back that with exceptional customer service. We are committed to meeting and surpassing expectations, and to do that, we must keep at the forefront of social trends and conditions so that our website addresses market needs.”
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