Hong Kong employees prefer frequent short breaks over extended leave

閱讀中文版本

Hong Kong ranks second in APAC for annual leave utilisation, with most employees actively taking the majority of their entitlement.

Hong Kong is often recognised for its efficiency and flexibility – a trait that also extends to how employees take their leave.

According to a new analysis of more than 4,500 full-time workers across the Asia-Pacific region by Deel, Hong Kong workers are increasingly opting for shorter, more frequent breaks to recharge rather than saving them up for one long annual escape.

The findings showed a clear preference for two-day leave blocks distributed throughout the year. More than one-third (37.5%) of multi-day leave requests by 67.5% of the Hong Kong workforce were for just two days, well above Singapore (31.9%) and consistent with a workforce that prefers frequent recharges to long single trips.

Public holidays, such as the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival, also create opportunities for this pattern. Many employees strategically combine leave with public holidays to maximise rest without long absences from work.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong ranks second in Asia-Pacific for annual leave utilisation. In 2025, Hong Kong employees took a median of 16.5 days of annual leave – second to Singapore (19 days) but slightly more than Australia (16 days), despite Australia offering larger statutory entitlement of 20 days.

More than two-thirds (68.6%) of Hong Kong employees took at least 80% of their annual leave entitlement – only behind Singapore (77.5%), and well ahead of Australia (46.5%) and India (29.9%) – reflecting that greater statutory entitlement does not always translate into greater time taken.

The analysis also highlights the role of workplace policies. Across the region, employees on flexible leave arrangements took more time off compared with those on fixed contracts.

“Employees are not only taking their leave, but doing so in a way that supports sustained productivity. This reflects a growing awareness of the link between wellbeing and performance”, said Lauren Thomas, Economist at Deel.

ALSO READ: Get ready: Hong Kong’s 2027 public holidays announced