If you want to improve employee engagement and boost your company’s bottom line, encourage people to take a summer vacation.
The summer months are upon us and that means plenty of sun, fun, and relaxation. Or does it? A 2021 study by the U.S. Travel Association revealed that Americans are using less vacation time today than they have at any point in the last 40 years. That’s unfortunate because taking a break helps the entire organization—enhanced employee morale, increased productivity, improved retention, and greater corporate profitability are among the benefits to be had. That summer vacation is a necessary ingredient in the recipe for business success.
In this article, we will explore why people are shunning their paid time off and why that’s a bad idea on a number of fronts.
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Why aren’t folks using their vacation days?
According to a 2022 report from online recruitment company Zippia, 55% of American workers don’t use all of their paid time off. And more than half of employees with paid leave say they performed work tasks during their vacations. Top reasons for not taking time off include heavy workloads, fear of being seen as replaceable, and an unsupportive workplace culture. Today, one in five adults in the U.S. experiences a mental health challenge in the average year. The need for companies to provide paid time off and encourage employees to take it has never been more urgent.
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Work martyrdom is on the rise, too.
Unclear messages from employers regarding paid time off have contributed to the growth of the ‘work martyr’. These employees believe they must work long hours regardless of productivity, and that taking a break indicates a lack of motivation or desire to advance in the company. The work martyr is not a new phenomenon but today’s workforce has embraced it, creating a concerning mental health trend.
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When people take some time off, they perform better.
In his 2018 book The Happiness Advantage, author Shawn Achor points to research that found “when the brain is relaxed, productivity improves by 31%, sales increase by 37%, and revenues can triple.” After decades of research on the topic, Achor concludes “the greatest competitive advantage in the modern economy is a positive and engaged brain.” But to be truly engaged, our brains require periodic breaks. If your company offers paid vacation but the environment doesn’t support people using it, you’re essentially removing promised benefits and hindering profitability, too.
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Taking a break can yield dividends for everyone involved.
Here are four ways vacations can benefit your employees, your business, and your bottom line:
- Productivity gets a boost. Whether it’s catching up on sleep, taking a staycation, spending quality time with friends and family, or traveling, time away from the office helps people relax and recharge. This leads to improved creativity and productivity in the workplace.
- Better talent acquisition and retention. Today, there’s a renewed focus on creating and maintaining work-life balance. By offering and actively encouraging employees to use paid time off, wellness initiatives, and mental health days, it can attract and retain top talent.
- A healthier state of mind. Mental and emotional well-being affects all aspects of our lives, from personal relationships to job performance. Employee burnout has been on the rise since the onset of the pandemic, leading to reductions in work efficiency and productivity, low moods, and increased absenteeism. Organizations looking for ways to improve employee mental well-being should consider offering physical and mental health benefits, creating lines for open communication, supporting autonomy and flexibility, implementing wellness education and training, lightening workloads, and encouraging employees to unplug from time to time.
- Enhanced company culture. When employees at every level of the organization are urged to enjoy quality time off from work, a positive transformation results. At regular intervals, managers should check in with their team members regarding their vacation plans and to remind them of the organization’s PTO policy. Demonstrate support of the policy by ensuring leaders model the act of taking time off without distraction. Respect employees’ out-of-office status by not sending communications at night, over the weekend, or when they are on vacation. These behaviors will ultimately create a positive workplace culture that empowers people to take a break and really enjoy it.
According to the American Psychological Association, time away from work can increase life satisfaction, improve mental health and well-being, and reduce anxiety and depression. It’s the time of year for fun summer vacations and restful holidays, so encourage your employees to take a well-deserved break.
Ready to create an enviable organization that works smarter and healthier? The HR Team is here to support your efforts with valuable strategic guidance and seasoned insights. Please contact us to learn more.
About The HR Team: Founded in 1996, The HR Team is a Maryland-based human resources outsourcing firm committed to developing strategic, customized solutions that respond to the unique needs and cultures of organizations of all types and sizes. Available as a one-source alternative to an in-house HR department or on an à la carte project basis, the company’s flexible service models address the full spectrum of HR needs that many organizations struggle to address. The HR Team helps clients achieve their highest level of success by providing value-driven human resources services that leave them time to focus on what they do best: directing business growth and profitability. Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, the firm serves all of Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia. To learn more about The HR Team, call 410.381.9700 or visit https://www.thehrteam.com/.
