Recent research commissioned by VisitEngland suggests that UK millennials are being held back from taking a gap year or career break.
The survey found that four in five 18-34 year olds would consider taking a career break to travel in the next three years, lured by the prospect of life enriching experiences such as discovering new cultures (59%), ticking off bucket list experiences (34%) and volunteering or supporting good causes (25%). However, only 8% of millennials in full-time employment said they were very likely to with financial constraints (75%) and impact on job progression (41%) cited as the two biggest barriers.
However, the research also suggested that the traditional ?nine til' five? is being replaced with flexible working arrangements ? 40% of 18-34 year olds in the UK said their employers offer flexible working hours and 16% have the opportunity to work remotely. Due to this shift in modern attitudes to work, 79% of millennials said that flexible working arrangements already do, or would make them likely to travel more.
The idea of taking a short break at home, rather than a gap year or career break, also holds appeal for 'Gen Y'? 58% said that being able to maintain their employment was one of the biggest benefits, whilst more than one in ten cited the chance to tick off destinations at home.
With more flexibility in their work-life balance and an appetite for exploring what's on their doorstep, VisitEngland is predicting the emergence of 'microgapping' amongst millennials defined as the act of taking short breaks that offer the same self-development opportunities of a typical gap year or career break.
When it comes to taking a short break, the research also suggests that millennials want similar experiences to those usually offered on a gap year ? including relaxation and well-being (50%), seeing iconic landmarks (41%), trying local food and drink (33%), learning new skills (16%) and supporting good causes (13%). Of those surveyed 64% said they found the idea of 'microgapping' in the UK appealing and more than half said they were likely to go microgapping in the next three years.
VisitEngland Director, Andrew Stokes said: ?Flexible working arrangements are giving UK millennials a greater opportunity to discover what's on their doorstep. Whether that's taking a digital detox in a sustainable treehouse in Cornwall, learning to cook foraged ingredients, swimming through Durdle Door or simply discovering local stories in a new city; England is bursting with the enriching experiences that people want from a gap year or career break.?
