More than half of Australian workers are keen to experience the benefits of a career break than they were five years ago, a new survey by recruitment specialist Robert Half found.

While 55% of employees are more willing to take a career break, 26% of workers are less willing to take one now than they were before the Covid-19 pandemic because of the impact it may have on their careers and earning potential, Robert Half said in a press release.

The remaining 19% of workers have had no change in willingness for a career break, the firm said.

The survey was conducted online in June this year and polled 1,000 full-time office workers across Australia.

“We’re seeing a significant shift in attitudes toward career breaks,” Nicole Gorton, director at Robert Half, said in a press release.

“The events that have unfolded in the last few years have prompted many individuals to re-evaluate their priorities and consider taking time off for personal growth, mental health or family commitments.”

When asked why they wanted a career break, 59% of respondents said they wanted to focus on mental health and half of those polled wanted to spend quality time with family.

Almost half, 46%, said they wanted to undertake personal career development, such as travel or passion projects, and 30% wanted to reevaluate their career plans.

Workers who are less willing to take a career break cited concerns about finances, 63%; job security, 50%; and career advancement, 30%; according to the survey.

However, workers are not confident about the support from their employer if they take a career break, while only 39% are aware that their employer has a policy or guidelines in place to accommodate workers who request one.

Meanwhile, 30% of workers report their employer has not established guidelines and 31% are unsure if they exist.

This is despite Australia’s long-service leave entitlement, which allows Australian workers to take a career break after an extended period of service with their employer.

The entitlement forms part of the country’s National Employment Standards and differs from state to state, according to the Australian Unions’ website. In NSW, for example, workers are eligible for two to three months of paid leave after 10 years of continuous employment. It can be taken all at once, or in stages, Australian Unions said.