Despite spending thousands on holidays, four in five Australians are taking their work, news feeds and social media habits with them.
New research reveals that just 19% of us completely switch off while travelling, while 30% feel pressured to check work emails or messages on leave.
The survey of more than 1,000 Australians was commissioned by travel insurance provider Insure&Go.
It showed that doomscrolling, work emails and social media quietly drain the rest and restoration that travel is supposed to provide.
The survey found that just one in five (19%) genuinely switch their devices off while on holiday and the rest keep scrolling.
A huge 40 per cent check their phones every few hours and 12 per cent admit they’re glued to their devices the entire trip.
“Your phone is the one piece of luggage that can unpack all your stress the moment you land,” said Madhvi Mishra, Insure&Go spokesperson.
“We’re seeing travellers invest in flights, accommodation, experiences and not to mention their hard-earned time yet data indicates that familiar content consumption frequently carries over into the holiday experience.”
When asked why they reach for their devices on holiday (outside of navigation, taking photos or looking up travel information), the answers reveal a culture that has largely lost the ability to disconnect.
Some 76 per cent message family and friends, 52 per cent browse social media, 40 per cent seek news updates, 22 per cent check in on work messages and 12 per cent choose gaming.
Perhaps most telling is the extent to which work follows Australians on their holidays.
When asked if they ever felt pressured to check work emails, messages or join meetings while on leave, almost one third (30%) said yes, with men feeling this pressure slightly more than women (33% vs 27%).
“Australia’s Right to Disconnect laws exist for good reason,” said Madhvi. “But legislation can only go so far when the habit is deeply ingrained in both the employee and employer.
“If nearly a third of Australians feel pressured to check in with work while on holiday, it undermines the very purpose of taking a break.”
Insure&Go’s four tips for a genuine digital detox while on holiday
- Keep boundaries: Set an out-of-office that means it; set up direct queries to a colleague and commit to not monitoring.
- Remove temptation: Delete or disable work apps from your phone for the duration of your trip.
- Make goals: Nominate one device-free window each day such as meal times, mornings or evenings.
- Keep on task: Use your phone for its best holiday uses including photos, navigation and messaging loved ones. Leave the rest and enjoy being present and in the moment on your next trip away.
