Office Depot, Inc. Small Business Index Finds Majority of Small Business Owners Struggle to Disconnect from Work While on Vacation

BOCA RATON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Office Depot, Inc. ODP, a leading global provider of office products, services and solutions and parent company of Office Depot and OfficeMax, found that while nearly two-thirds (61 percent) of small business owners (SMBs) plan to take a vacation this summer, 76 percent will stay connected to their work in some way while out of the office.

According to the latest Office Depot Small Business Index, 66 percent of SMBs find it difficult, at least sometimes, to take time off from work during the summer. More than half of those who do take time off stay connected by working on their laptops and checking email on their phones.

"Office Depot recognizes the benefits of work-life balance for small business owners," said Tonya Hood, small business expert for Office Depot, Inc. "Taking vacation time during the summer can be important to maintaining a successful business, work environment and office productivity."

If disconnecting from work while on vacation is not realistic, Office Depot's Business Solutions Center offers a few strategic ways SMBs can stay connected to the office while still enjoying time off. For instance, timing vacations wisely and designating a time for work, if absolutely necessary, are some examples of ways to ensure vacations are enjoyed. It's also important to make sure office productivity is not suffering while on vacation. SMBs should identify a point person and prepare a plan on how to operate the business in their absence.

"A majority of SMBs say they stay connected to the office, but try their best to detach as much as possible," said Hood. "In today's work environment there are a number of tools and products that can help you stay in touch, yet not take up precious vacation time, such as smartphones and lightweight laptops."

To view content or to learn more about the small business products and services please visit Office Depot's Business Solutions Center at solutions.officedepot.com.

Survey Methodology/Sample Qualifications

Interviews are conducted via the Internet among a nationally representative sample of small and medium-sized businesses. The April wave of interviewing was conducted from April 6, 2015 to April 29, 2015 among a total of 1,500 small and medium-sized businesses. Interviewing will be conducted on a monthly basis in order to track shifts that occur over time.

About Office Depot, Inc.

Office Depot, Inc. is a leading global provider of products, services, and solutions for every workplace – whether your workplace is an office, home, school or car.

Office Depot, Inc. is a resource and a catalyst to help customers work better. We are a single source for everything customers need to be more productive, including the latest technology, core office supplies, print and document services, business services, facilities products, furniture, and school essentials.

The company has annual sales of approximately $16 billion, employs approximately 56,000 associates, and serves consumers and businesses in 56 countries with approximately 1,800 retail stores, award-winning e-commerce sites and a dedicated business-to-business sales organization – all delivered through a global network of wholly owned operations, joint ventures, franchisees, licensees and alliance partners. The company operates under several banner brands including Office Depot, OfficeMax, OfficeMax Grand & Toy, Reliable and Viking. The company's portfolio of exclusive product brands include TUL, Foray, Brenton Studio, Ativa, WorkPro, Realspace and HighMark.

Office Depot, Inc.'s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol ODP. Additional press information can be found at: http://news.officedepot.com.

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