It is time to take our vacations!

Rebuild your serenity on vacation

That’s the message of Project: Time Off. Unfortunately, their research shows that Americans are becoming more and more reluctant to take time off from their jobs. Although most workers are eligible for paid vacations, they do not take them. In particular, the full-week vacation is almost disappearing.

Vacations are good for our health, for our family, and for the economy.

• Our health. American workers are reporting record levels of stress. In addition, we are sleep-deprived and becoming obese. A vacation is the perfect solution! If you need more documentation, numerous studies document the link between taking vacation and better heart health, better mental health, and lower stress.
• Our families. Whether it is a memorable family trip to our nation’s capital, or a visit to a local park, family bonds are reinforced on days off.
• Our economy. Your vacation is the economic opportunity for someone else. Your unused leave is a liability on the company’s books.

Here are some of the reasons people don’t take vacations, and my arguments against them. I hope this will encourage you to set a date now!

Reason:  I hate to come back to a pile of work.

Response: Schedule your vacation early and be firm about blocking that time off; work with your boss on a plan for coverage; set your out of office response on email and don’t check it (that will only encourage more work). Managers and HR should consider the benefits of company-wide shut downs. Most common times are between Christmas and New Year, and the week of the 4^th of July.

Reason: No one else can do my job.

Response: Recognize this as a fallacy or as a huge business risk if true. Create a manual for your job that a supervisor or co-worker could consult in the case of an emergency. Communicate with your boss on the need for cross training.

Reason: My boss won’t like it (I will be perceived as replaceable/not a committed employee.)

Response: See above. Also, be the person who challenges the work martyr culture if it does exist.  Managers and HR must communicate their commitment to work life balance and employee wellness by supporting vacations.

Reason: I can’t afford it.

Response: Vacations don’t have to be expensive or exotic to be beneficial to you and your family. A stay-cation to get things done around home and explore your own city can be fun.