Studies show that Americans are reluctant to take time off from work for vacations. In fact, one survey, conducted by global travel intelligence platform Skift, found that in 2014, 42% of Americans didn’t take a single day of vacation. Another survey by the U.S. Travel Association found that of those who did take vacation, four out of ten didn’t take the full amount available to them.
For some of those non-vacationers, the reason may be that they don’t receive paid vacation days. Nearly a quarter of U.S. companies offer no paid time off. For those who do have paid vacation, but don’t use it, they often cite as reasons: a heavy workload, lack of money to “go anywhere” and the perception that people who take time off are less dedicated. “They dread the pile of work awaiting them when they return,” according to one survey, “and feel that no one else can do what they do at the office.”
Although employers may welcome the sense of dedication and the workflow continuity, by not encouraging employees to take some time away they are actually doing a disservice to both the employee and the company.
Research shows that, for employees, time away from work:
• Improves overall health
• Increases creativity (new experiences, new scenery)
• Provides for quality time with family
• Ignites neural connections (increasing brain power – a good thing!)
• Increases productivity upon return to work
There are benefits for employers as well. Employees who take time away from work for rest and relaxation are happier, think more clearly, and are more engaged upon their return. Shawn Achor, author of The Happiness Advantage, says that “the greatest competitive advantage in the modern economy is a positive and engaged brain. When the brain can think positively, productivity improves by 31 percent, sales increase by 37 percent, and creativity and revenues can triple.”
As summer approaches, I encourage you to create an environment that supports vacation time off for your employees. Start now cross training employees, and finding other ways to cover work. Lead by example and take a vacation yourself! Actively encourage employees to take a vacation. Share the benefits of time off, and don’t allow the perception that those who take it are less dedicated.
“There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.” – Alan Cohen