Studies show that 1/3 of Americans fail to take their full allotment of vacation days. That's not a good thing. Here's why it's bad, along with some thoughts on what you can do about it.
[Caveat: One of my good friends and favorite internet authors - Karin H. - is the co-owner of a wood flooring business with just two employees. This post probably won't be helpful to the small business owner. Karin, would you give us your perspective on vacations - either here or on your blog?]
Two studies suggest Americans sometimes leave vacation days on the table
A Families and Work Institute study in 2005 found more than 1/3 of employees were taking fewer than seven days of vacation each year. CNNMoney.com reported on a more recent study by Harris Interactive that reached the same conclusion.
Not getting enough vacation can hurt your business
Insufficient time off can lead to burnout, mental and physical health problems, disengaged employees, mistakes, anger, less creativity and higher turnover.
On the other hand, studies have shown that vacations can boost productivity and reduce absenteeism - at least for awhile.
Why don't people take vacation?
You have probably heard all these reasons:
- Sometimes the added stress just before and after a vacation makes it seem too much bother.
- Some people feel too busy to take time off.
- Some fear how the boss (you) will react.
- Others fear that the place will fall apart while they are away.
- Still others fear that the place won't fall apart while they are away.
What you can do to make a difference
As a business leader, I'd rather have employees take their full allotment of days away and come back refreshed and rejuvenated than to have them around all the time, but at less than full strength. Here are some things I have done to get folks to take vacation:
- Take your full allotment of vacation yourself. If the boss takes vacation, it makes it okay for others to take vacation.
- Monitor the time since each employee last took vacation, and begin urging them to take more time off after a few months have elapsed.
- As a team, find ways to help team members get ready for vacation without undue stress, and find ways to give them a gentle return.
- Make it your rule, and a rule for the team, that those on vacation will not be emailed, phoned, SMSd or otherwise bothered while on vacation.
Consider one-day sabbaticals in addition to vacations
The effects of a vacation are apparently gone within just a few weeks. To add another burst of energy, consider sending each of your folks on one-day sabbaticals. I've been taking these myself for years, and always find them rewarding, refreshing and creative.
Here's how I do it:
- Find a comfortable working space away from work and away from home. I have used Starbucks, hotel business centers, and the conference room at our outside attorney's office.
- Turn off your cell phone, stay disconnected from the internet, don't use your PDA.
- Bring a book to study for the morning. Use my technique for quickly absorbing the book.
- Spend the afternoon on long-term planning.
Whether it is a two-week vacation or a one-day sabbatical, make sure you get away from work regularly. And insist that your team do the same. Your business results will be glad you did.
[Clip "j0089476.wmf" downloaded from Microsoft's clip art website.]
