Unlimited vacation is an enticing workplace benefit and can it also boost productivity, suggests research released today by The Creative Group. Nearly four in 10, 39%, of advertising and marketing executives interviewed believe office output would increase if employees could take time off whenever they wanted, as long as their performance didn’t suffer.

However, while more companies may be offering liberal vacation policies in an attempt to attract and retain talent, many professionals may hesitate to take advantage of the perk: 72% of executives and 56% workers said the amount of vacation they would take would remain the same if there were no limit to their personal holidays.

“The idea of unlimited vacation time can be attractive and help staff feel more in control of their schedules,” said Diane Domeyer, executive director of The Creative Group. “But, in reality, many employees have trouble breaking away from the office no matter what the official policy as deadlines need to be met. Managers should lead by example, taking time off themselves and encouraging their staff to do the same. Hiring freelancers is one way to alleviate pressure on employees and ensure projects stay on track.”

Advertising and marketing executives and workers were asked, “If an unlimited vacation policy were instituted at your company, what impact do you think it would have on staff productivity?” Their responses:

• Increase significantly: Execs 15%, workers 18%
• Increase somewhat: Execs 24%, workers 21%
• No change: Execs 43%, workers 27%
• Decrease somewhat: execs 8%, workers 15%
• Decrease significantly: Execs 9%, workers 16%
• Don’t know/no answer: Execs 0%, workers 4%

Executives and workers were also asked, “If your company instituted an unlimited vacation policy, do you think you would take … ?” Their responses:

• More time off: Execs 24%, workers 38%
• Less time off: Execs 4%, workers 3%
• Same amount time off: Execs 72%, workers 56%
• Company already allows unlimited vacation time: Execs 0%, workers 1%
• Don’t know/no answer: Execs 0%, workers 3%

The surveys were developed by The Creative Group and conducted by an independent research firm. They include responses from more than 400 US advertising and marketing executives, and 430 US workers employed in office environments.