Is it possible for employees to spend the last days of 2015 in a state of carefree holiday bliss? Not necessarily, according to new research by staffing firm Robert Half. Forty-nine per cent of workers surveyed will work at least part of the week of December 28 and plan to make good use of the time, with 78 per cent expecting to be productive.

For staff taking time off, including those whose companies close for the week, 45 per cent plan to check in with the office.

“Out-of-offices throughout the holiday season can make it very challenging for companies to remain productive and keep up with business demands leading up to December 31st,” said Greg Scileppi, president of Robert Half, International Staffing Operations.

“It is critical that companies plan accordingly, and minimize downtime by proactively bringing on temporary staff throughout the holiday season,” added Scileppi. “This will give employees the chance to enjoy a well-deserved break and boost morale going into the New Year without derailing final projects or significantly impacting business growth.”

Key findings from the study are:

• Twenty-eight percent of U.S. workers are taking the entire week of Dec. 28 as vacation. Among this group, 52 percent are taking the time off because their company closes for the week. More than eight in 10 report this is paid time off and they don’t need to take from their vacation time.

See: Employees Become More Productive a Week before the Holidays: Survey Reveals

• Sixty percent of employees will check in with the office if they’re away. Men are significantly more likely to check in than women. Seventy-one percent of workers in the Northeast region plan to stay in touch – the highest percentage of any geography.
• Thirteen percent of employees haven’t solidified their plans for the last week of the year and don’t know if they’re taking time off.
• Workers in the 55+ age group are significantly more likely to report they’ll be “very productive” in the final days of 2015. 45 percent is nearly twice the figure of the 18-34 and 35-54 groups (which both reported 24 percent).

“Shutting down does not mean shutting off for most companies,” said Paul McDonald, senior executive director at Robert Half. “The last days of the year are critical to complete quarter- and year-end projects, make billable hours goals, and get organized for the New Year. Additionally, some firms face ‘use it or lose it’ consequences on budget and headcount if they fail to spend or hire by December 31, so they’re laser-focused on these issues.”

While holidays are a time when you get most distractions unexpectedly at work, however if you can find a way to cope with the situations and get work done, then you could be ringing your new year much before.

Most of it all, do not forget to count holiday-related task as meaningful work as well.  Such as networking with your team to celebrate holidays is one of the best times to build long-lasting meaningful relationships.

Also read: Workaholic Japan eyes five compulsory paid holidays

Image credit: punchbowl.com