Recent surveys have revealed that workers are taking 10% less vacation time than they did last year. The reason for this is increased job demands. The slow economy has caused employers to layoff workers, and those who remain are forced to pick up the slack. As a result of employees taking fewer vacation days, many companies are increasing their profit. Some companies have also become more flexible with their vacation plans, allowing employees to carry over unused vacation days. Less vacation time will also lead to greater stress among workers, which can have negative effects on productivity.
See "Employees taking fewer vacation days", Stephanie Armour, USA Today, June 5, 2003