More than half of Russian business owners have spent the past two years without a traditional holiday, with 58% reporting continuous work periods that span years without a full break. A survey financed by the business bank Blank, and shared via socialbites.ca, reveals that 31% of vacationers manage to take a single vacation each year, signaling a strong culture of work persistence among entrepreneurs. [Citation: Blank Bank survey, socialbites.ca]
The reasons for not taking time off are varied. Entrepreneurs cited irregular schedules and the frequent occurrence of force majeure events, with 35% of respondents noting these disruptions as a primary barrier. Another significant factor is the challenge of transferring and following through on ongoing projects, which 24% identified as a reason to delay vacations. Financial constraints also played a role, with 16% stating money was a limiting factor. [Citation: Blank Bank survey]
When vacations do happen, only a small portion of business leaders disconnect completely from work. In fact, 9% of entrepreneurs who took time off reported being fully detached from duties. The majority maintained some level of involvement, aiming to monitor critical processes, staying reachable for essential calls, and responding to urgent emails. This pattern reflects a pragmatic approach to balance during downtime, where a return to tasks is anticipated rather than postponed indefinitely. [Citation: Blank Bank survey]
Regarding optimal vacation length, 65% of respondents consider a break of one to two weeks ideal. Despite this, the prevalent practice remains shorter time away, with many choosing a week or less. The preference for a compact yet restorative period underscores a preference for preserving momentum in business operations while still allowing for rest. [Citation: Blank Bank survey]
Vacation activities show clear preferences among entrepreneurs. About 48% spent their breaks traveling, 37% pursued active outdoor recreation in nature, and 15% favored time spent at the beach. These choices illustrate a spectrum of leisure that aligns with personal interests and practical constraints, balancing relaxation with opportunities to refresh focus and energy. [Citation: Blank Bank survey]
The Blank Bank conducted a telephone survey in October 2023, engaging 2,500 entrepreneurs across 45 regions of Russia. The sample leaned toward individuals from larger urban centers, particularly cities with populations around one and a half million, providing a broad view of vacation practices across diverse economic contexts. [Citation: Blank Bank survey]
Historical price trends for travel influenced decisions as well. Earlier, tickets to destinations such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia showed noticeable price reductions, which could nudge some entrepreneurs toward taking a holiday when favorable rates are available. This dynamic demonstrates how pricing can affect the timing and destination choices of travelers in the entrepreneurial community. [Citation: Blank Bank survey]