More than two-fifths (41.2%) of employees said they are planning to take approved holiday in order to do their Christmas shopping this year, according to new research from the Institute of Payroll Professionals (IPP), the only membership organisation for payroll and pension practitioners in the UK.
The survey also revealed that of those who intend to take annual leave, nearly two-thirds (64.4%) said they plan to take one day off and a fifth (20%) admit they will be absent from work for two days to stock up on gifts in time for Christmas.
Furthermore, nearly one in six (12.3%) said they will be extending their allocated ‘lunch hour’ to get their Christmas shopping fix.
Mr Lindsay Melvin, Chief Executive of the IPP, said: “Around this time of the year, it is to be expected that time-strapped employees may plan to stretch their ‘lunch hour’ or take approved holiday in order to fit in all their Christmas shopping.
“Especially in the two weeks running up to Christmas, businesses need to be aware that many of their workforce may be planning to take annual leave in preparation for the festive period.
“Payroll and HR departments need to be prepared to deal with possible widespread absenteeism during this time and make sure there are enough staff members covering those who are on annual leave.
“It also may be wise for organisations to have business contingency plans in place in case there are a large number of employees all taking time off from work at the same time.”
