The coronavirus has upended the way many workers do their work – either in person or from home – and increase the time they spend doing it.

In 2020, the average workday increased by about an hour, according to A. Worksheet Published by the National Bureau of Economic Research.

Despite the longer working hours, workers are taking fewer breaks as well. Since March, the vast majority of Americans have done so Shortening, delaying or canceling the planned timeAccording to a separate survey of more than 2,000 workers in July.

„When your kitchen table becomes your office, the distinction between work and home becomes harder and harder,“ said Claire Barnes, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Monster Worldwide.

„Unfortunately, we have seen more and more workers – in all sectors – not taking the vacation and personal time provided by employers, whether it is due to an increased workload or the struggle to find a good work-life balance.“

Even in the pre-pandemic period, American workers used only about half of their qualifying holidays, according to A. a study Via Glassdoor Recruitment and Career Site.

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Now, workers run the risk of losing billions in lost benefits if that time cannot be shifted or carried over.

Only 42% of companies said it was Make changes To leave policies to enhance flexibility, including increasing carry-over limits for unused leaves, according to a report by consulting firm Willis Towers Watson.

A separate survey by Monster found that nearly two-thirds of workers, or 64%, said their employer would not normally allow leave passes, and 4 in 5 workers said their employers did not provide any room for maneuver due to Coronavirus crisis.

Starting January 1, workers will lose their federal mandate Paid vacation required For those suffering from Covid-19.

The CARES Act included Provision of emergency That required eligible employers to provide benefits to eligible employees until December 31 – without this policy, there is no National standard Against payment family or Illness Leave.

However, under conditions New Relief Package, Companies can still claim a cost-support tax deduction if they choose to offer paid vacation until 2021.

Many companies will likely continue to offer this option even without authorization, according to Bill Giannucus, founder and CEO of telehealth provider Goodpath – just as some will allow workers to extend unused vacation days.

„Employers understand how important it is to live a more balanced life and are more open to making sure employees get the care they need.“

However, it is up to the employees to fend for themselves, Giannocus said, „Go back to the employer and ask for leave.“

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