Millions of workers admit to spinning stories about their weekends – to make their lives sound more exciting to their colleagues, a study has found.
When asked about their weekends on a Monday morning, a poll of 2,000 workers found three in 10 exaggerate or make up what they did to avoid having to admit to staying in or not really doing anything.
Pretending they went to the pub with friends instead of just sitting in front of the TV is the most common fib, followed by making out they went to an expensive restaurant or got in a workout at the gym.
Going on a mini break, seeing a gig or playing a sport are also among the top 10 lies workers tell on a Monday morning.
But one in five have been caught out fibbing about their weekend activities.
It also emerged 51 per cent usually regret not making the most of their two days off work.
A spokesman for Holiday Inn, which commissioned the research said: “Being asked ‘what did you get up to at the weekend’ is a common question from colleagues and friends on a Monday morning.
“While this is great if you did something exciting, it can be awkward if you had a weekend where you didn’t even leave the house.
“Rather than admit to a quiet weekend, many are making-up more exciting activities to avoid looking boring in front of others.
“One respondent told a colleague they had gone on a city break, not knowing their co-worker had seen them walking around their hometown.
“Going away for the weekend can add instant colour to your Monday morning weekend chat.
“Holiday Inn is committed to enabling the best weekends possible. With so much to explore right here in the UK, we help people nail their response to that dreaded Monday morning question ‘what did you do this weekend.”
The study found a third of workers dread colleagues asking what they did at the weekends in case it comes across as boring.
Social media is also filling Brits with weekend remorse, with more than one in 10 admitting to posting old photos on their Instagram account to make their weekends look more action-packed.
And if they do go away for the weekend, more than half say they would immediately share photos on social media.
But seven in 10 wouldn’t dream of telling colleagues they did nothing at all over the weekend.
The research, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed that a quarter of Brits reckon they go on more weekend breaks than they did five years ago.
And when it comes to trying to impress their colleagues, workers think attending a music event is the best weekend activity to do, along with relaxing at a spa, exploring a different UK city and participating in an extreme sport.
Whether looking to explore Windsor Castle, walk the cobbles of Coronation Street or simply find somewhere relaxing to stay for a friend’s wedding, Holiday Inn is there to assist with a weekend escape.
If travelling as a family, kids under the age of 12 stay and eat for free and up to two children under the age of 17 can stay for free when sharing a room with up to two adults.
Holiday Inn guarantees the lowest price rate when booking direct.
For more information visit www.holidayinn.com/weekend.
The top 10 fibs or exaggerations workers make about their weekend:
1. Going to the pub
2. Going to an expensive restaurant for dinner
3. Visiting the gym
4. Doing a cultural activity
5. Taking a road trip
6. Playing sports
7. Visiting a high-end cocktail bar
8. Going to a gig
9. Going on a mini break
10. Taking a bike ride
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