Beware the Ides of September

September is the most popular month to go on holiday, research by a professional body reveals. Nearly a quarter (23%) of respondents indicated that September is the most desired month, followed by August (17%) and then June and July (both 13.6%).

Other interesting findings have shown that almost half (47%) are planning to go on a beach vacation, followed by an activity-based holiday (21%). A third (34%) of respondents said that their next holiday destination is in the UK, followed by the USA (11%), Spain (7.4%) and then France (6.7%). Sadly, however, one in six (16%) said they have no holiday planned in 2012.

In some places in Europe, like Italy, many businesses close down for the month of August to limit absences at other busier times.

Gareth Osborne of APA said: “With so manypeople predicted to take time off in September, organisations need to ensure that they have contingency plans in place. This problem has been exasperated in 2012 by the extended summer of celebrations keeping people at home. It is possible that September could see a significant reduction in staff force productivity.”

APA