Students no longer rule the roost when it comes to gap years reveals research out this week by ebookers.com � the online travel experts. The survey investigated the corporate gap year phenomenon, revealing that 78% of all workers surveyed � from CEOs through to administrative assistants - are desperate for an opportunity to take time away in far off destinations.

In the midst of a climate of uncertainty, the survey reveals that the average city executive realises there is more to life than excessive hours spent in the office. Increasingly stressful working lives seems to have led to a nation starved of cultural experience and in need of something richer in life. The report highlights the fact that 36% of CEOs and Directors, and 42% of executives feel a gap year would enrich their knowledge and education. A report entitled �Get Away� commissioned by ebookers.com to investigate the gap year phenomenon, reports the views of expert business psychologist Rachel Cox and categorically cites the increased desire in people wanting to take a gap year. Those surveyed would even sacrifice financial reward for this balance as an enhanced quality of life becomes increasingly important. For CEOs and Directors expense was highlighted as less important a consideration as work and family responsibilities.

The survey went on to reveal that Australasia is the most popular destination for a gap year amongst professionals, executives, CEOs and Directors and middle management. Says Rachel Cox �Australasia is perceived to have really taken ownership of the work life balance phenomenon which is probably why it is proving so popular. This is in contrast to the long hours culture and high pressure environment typical of our UK offices�.

With employees desperate for a break, employers are being encouraged to accept gap years as a benefit rather than a hindrance. Says Rachel Cox � If an organisation encourages a gap year it will help to make the employee feel more valued and committed to the organisation� � something that is imperative in today�s war for top talent. Cox continues �Those who have already taken a gap year are primarily CEOs or Directors � suggesting that those who get to the top are often the more culturally enriched, all round individuals with a more relaxed attitude�. The ability to develop better insight into what motivates the individual and allocation of time for personal and social development are also key advantages of time away from the office.

As a result of the increase in executive gap year enquiries, ebookers.com this week launches a designated section on their website for those after a once in a lifetime opportunity. Says Morra Aarons, Head of Marketing ebookers.com �This survey has highlighted the need for travel companies to consider a whole new audience of gap year adventurers. This group is perhaps not as cost-conscious as graduates willing to travel the world on shoestring, but they still have budgets. In addition, an older audience may wish to combine their trips with volunteer placements, or stops off the traditional beaten track of travellers - some of which they may have visited on their first trips abroad. ebookers recognises this trend and we cater to two entirely different experiences.'

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For further information please contact Sarah Grace or Sophie Cork at The SPA Way on 020 7928 2626 or email sophiec@thespaway.com

- Case studies are available on request from employees that have seen the benefit of gap years and workers that have chosen to take some time out. - Case studies available on request from companies who have encouraged gap years and seen the benefits.

Notes to Ed: - Typical Profile of those wanting to take a gap year: In their late twenties and thirties, works in middle management, perceive the benefits to be associated with personal development and are slightly more likely to work for organisations who encourage taking time out.

- Those who have previously taken a gap year: Work as CEOs / Directors, may have already spent time abroad and experienced other cultures as part of their job with increasing globalisation. They may benefit from insight that better health, less stress and a more positive attitude is important for performance at work.

- Those contemplating leaving their job and emigrating: Work in public sector (89%), executives (85%), professionals (81%), middle management (80%) and administrative staff (84%). They believe that their organisations do not encourage gap years, don�t necessarily think of their job as a �Job for Life�, feel the pressure of todays uncertain economic climate and may not experience a high level of job security or satisfaction.

- Those not contemplating leaving their job to emigrate: CEOs and Directors (only 31%), feel more commitment to their organisation and have more responsibility, half see family commitments as stopping them from taking the time off and a third are anxious about job security and see this as a barrier.

Other Key Points:

- 1,000 online travellers were surveyed - Unanimously, enriching knowledge and education was the top benefit of taking a gap year. - The survey suggests that the most senior levels focus more than others on general health benefits - Destination chosen and amount of time spent away tends to vary according to occupational group. - Copies of the report available on request