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New Study Reveals Workers' Plans for the Final Week of the Year

TORONTO, Dec. 3, 2015 /CNW/ - Is it possible for employees to spend the last days of 2015 in a state of carefree holiday bliss? Not necessarily, according to new research by staffing firm Robert Half. Forty-nine per cent of workers surveyed will work at least part of the week of December 28 and plan to make good use of the time, with 78 per cent expecting to be productive. For staff taking time off, including those whose companies close for the week, 45 per cent plan to check in with the office.

More than 400 Canadian workers employed in office environments were surveyed by an independent research firm for the study. The poll was conducted in mid-November.

"Out-of-offices throughout the holiday season can make it very challenging for companies to remain productive and keep up with business demands leading up to December 31^st," said Greg Scileppi, president of Robert Half, International Staffing Operations.

"It is critical that companies plan accordingly, and minimize downtime by proactively bringing on temporary staff throughout the holiday season," added Scileppi. "This will give employees the chance to enjoy a well-deserved break and boost morale going into the new year without derailing final projects or significantly impacting business growth."

The Robert Half study also found:

• Thirty-eight per cent of Canadian workers are taking the entire week of Dec. 28 as vacation. Among this group, 56 per cent are taking the time off because their company closes for the week. More than three in five report this is paid time off and they don't need to take from their vacation time.
• Forty-five per cent of employees will check in with the office if they're away. Men are more likely to check in than women. Seventy-five per cent of workers in Atlantic Canada plan to stay in touch - the highest percentage of any region.
• Thirteen per cent of employees haven't solidified their plans for the last week of the year and don't know if they're taking time off.
• Workers ages 35-54 are more likely to report they'll be "very productive" in the final days of 2015. Their 32 per cent is followed closely by the 55+ age group (30 per cent) and the 18-34 age group (19 per cent).

About Robert Half
Founded in 1948, Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm. The Menlo Park, Calif.-based company has more than 340 staffing locations worldwide and offers online job search and management tools at roberthalf.ca. For career and management advice, follow our blog at blog.roberthalf.com. Follow Robert Half on Twitter at @RobertHalf_CAN for additional workplace advice and hiring trends.

Contact: Naz Araghian, 416.865.2140, naz.araghian@roberthalf.com

SOURCE Robert Half Canada

Image with caption: "Will you be working the final week of the year? (CNW Group/Robert Half Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151203_C5523_PHOTO_EN_557360.jpg