The Many Benefits of Taking a Holiday

No matter what your job is, taking time off is important. Both your mind and body benefit from regular breaks from work. Research even shows that using your paid holiday for vacations can make you more productive at work, improve your mental health, and potentially make your life longer.

Now that it has been said, do you make sure to use your holiday leave?

What is a Paid Holiday?

Paid holiday is a type of leave granted to employees, enabling them to take time off from work and remain receiving their regular income. The regulations and laws governing paid holidays differ from one country to another.

In essence, paid holiday serves as a form of annual leave, allowing employees to go on vacation while continuing to receive their usual salary. The specifics of paid holiday entitlements vary globally, as each country or region has its own set of regulations.

To prevent confusion between paid holiday and public holiday, it is advisable for employers to clearly outline the recognized public holidays in the employee manual. This helps employees understand the distinction between the two types of leave.

Why People Do Not Take Their Paid Holiday

Ever wonder why some employees do not use their well-deserved paid holiday vacation days?

It seems strange for people to skip their time off, but with the culture of constant hustle and fast-paced work environments, many find themselves stuck in a cycle of overworking. There are a couple of reasons why taking holidays becomes a struggle:

• Meeting Expectations

When you are new to your job or recently got a promotion, you may be trying hard to meet workplace expectations. In some places, there is a belief that taking holidays means being lazy. In Japan, for example, 58% of workers feel guilty about using their paid vacation time. This mindset makes it tough for people to fully relax on their holiday.

• Heavy Workload

In fast-paced workplaces, people avoid taking holidays because they know they will return to a huge pile of tasks. Even with a planned time off, a sudden surge in workload or unexpected projects can make it challenging to go on vacation.

• Difficulty Disconnecting

The rise of remote work and the internet plays a role too. A Glassdoor survey found that almost half (44%) of employees do some work while on holiday. Aside from this, about one-fourth (18%) of employees on paid time off get contacted by colleagues about work matters.

The Advantages of Taking Proper Paid Holidays

Skipping a proper vacation may seem harmless, and putting in extra hours may feel like a boost to your career. But research has shown that without adequate breaks, we become less productive and less healthy.

So, when you do take time off, you are not avoiding responsibility; instead, you are taking charge of your well-being and performance. Here is why it matters:

• Prevents Burnout

Extra stress increases cortisol and adrenaline levels, which can be useful in the short term for handling sudden threats. But chronic stress raises the risk of health issues, including heart disease. Taking a rejuvenating break can combat prolonged stress, reducing the risk of such health issues.

• Nurtures Relationships

Spending too much time at the office can strain marriages and family bonds. Research shows that couples who go on holidays together are more likely to stay together than those who do not. Whether it is a week-long vacation, honeymoon, "babymoon," or rural retreat, family holidays strengthen relationships.

• Increases Mindfulness

Both meditation exercises and holidays are linked to higher well-being and increased mindfulness. Holidays disrupt our normal routines, preventing us from operating on autopilot. Novel experiences during vacations help us be more present in our surroundings.

• Boosts Productivity

A completely relaxed mind consolidates and processes information. Out-of-office experiences enhance cognitive flexibility and depth of thought. This improved mental state leads to more integrated decisions when returning to work. A well-rested mind and body means better capacity to learn and improved overall performance at work.

Encouraging Your Team to Take Paid Holiday

As an employer, it is crucial to motivate your employees to use all their annual leave. This not only promotes their well-being and productivity but enhances retention, engagement, and company culture as well. More than that, it makes your company more attractive to potential hires, expanding your talent pool.

Here are some strategies to ensure everyone takes their paid holiday:

• Communicate Your Support:

Make it clear that you want your employees to take paid holidays. Emphasize the benefits for both them and the organization. Utilize various communication channels such as email, posters, the intranet, or even interactive displays like an office wall for holiday photos. This demonstrates senior management's positive stance on paid holiday.

• Educate on Policies

Ensure everyone is well-informed about your holiday policies. Clearly communicate the number of entitled days, notice periods, and reassure them that asking for time off will not lead to repercussions. Maintain a live document displaying staff on holiday and another private one showing remaining leave days. Regular reminders can prevent a rush of leave requests at the end of the financial year.

• "Use It or Lose It" System

Implement a policy where unused days are forfeited, encouraging employees to take time off. This can be more effective than a roll-over system and prompts action, especially for those who do not want to lose their entitlements.

• Employee Incentives

Consider offering incentives for outstanding work, ranging from paid holidays to shorter workdays. This not only motivates employees but emphasizes the value you place on taking breaks as well. It can inspire everyone to utilize their paid holiday.

• Address Concerns

Listen to your team's concerns regarding taking paid holiday. Regularly assess workload, team dynamics, and policy clarity through ongoing feedback. Identifying and addressing concerns in real-time ensures everyone can use their full leave entitlement.

• Lead by Example:

Set an example by taking time off yourself. When you encourage your team to take leave but have not done so yourself in years, it sends conflicting messages and may put undue pressure on your employees. Leading by example reinforces your commitment to a healthy work-life balance.

In a world where constant work and busyness take center stage, it can feel like a luxury to take a holiday. But it is crucial to acknowledge the numerous benefits that vacations bring to our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whether it is reducing stress, boosting creativity, strengthening relationships, or improving overall health, holidays play a significant role in enhancing our lives. So, the next time you think about skipping that vacation, remember that taking a break is not just enjoyable – it is essential for your overall happiness and success.