A surprisingly large number of American workers don’t use their full amount of vacation time each year. A study conducted by Expedia reported that the average American worker leaves four full days of vacation on the table annually. However, not only is vacation time away from work good for the health of the employee, but it’s also good for business.
The Employee Benefits of Vacation Time
In recent years there has been an increase in studies surrounding employee health and work-life balance. It’s no surprise to learn that employees who achieve a healthy work-life balance and take time away from the office experience a number of physical and mental health benefits.
Increased Mindfulness
A break in routine stimulates the brain. When employees use their vacation time and spend full days away from the office, they are more likely to feel present, as opposed to the autopilot mindset of their day-to-day work life. Similarly, when individuals go on vacation and explore a new place, it can have the same positive mental effects as meditation, leading to higher levels of mindfulness and overall mental wellbeing.
Improved Physical Health
Studies have consistently shown a direct correlation between the amount of time an employee takes away from their workplace and their risk of heart disease. Those who consistently forgo time off can face as much as a 30% increase in their risk of developing heart-related conditions than those who regularly utilize their vacation time.
Reduced Stress
The presence of stress can raise certain hormones within the body that can have an adverse effect on your physical health. Cortisol and adrenaline are two such hormones that are triggered by your body’s fight or flight response when facing a stressful situation. A consistent increase in these hormones can lead to chronic physical health problems, including heart disease. By taking regular time away from the office and situations that cause anxiety, your body is able to reduce its stress level, improving your physical and mental wellbeing.
A Boost in Brainpower
Ever have your best ideas on a walk, in the shower, or on a long drive? It’s not coincidental, a relaxed brain improves your ability to learn, critically think, and retain information. This is why those quiet, reflective scenarios are oftentimes the source of your ‘aha’ moments. Studies have even shown that travel can increase your creativity, through exposure to new and different cultures, scenery, and experiences.
Improved Sleep
A common side effect of stress is an overactive brain and a restless night of sleep. Vacation time is a great way to break ourselves of the habits that accompany our stressful work lives – checking work email before bed, working late hours, and running through the next day’s agenda as we’re trying to fall asleep. Receiving the proper amount of sleep not only allows us to perform better in our day-to-day but also leads to healthier long-term physical and mental health.
The Employer Benefits of PTO
The employee benefits of taking time away from work are apparent, but time away from the office can provide a number of benefits for the employer as well.
Improved Productivity
When employees don’t receive proper time off or a healthy work-life balance, they can experience periods of prolonged stress and overwhelm. Both can negatively impact the quality of their daily work and performance. Employees who utilize their vacation time often come back to the office feeling refreshed and re-energized, which can increase their productivity and overall performance.
Improved Work Culture & Morale
Working for an organization that promotes a healthy work-life balance and encourages time off can positively impact the culture. Having healthy, happy employees will ultimately lead to a better work environment, higher job satisfaction, better quality of work, higher retention rate, and improved morale overall.
Cost Savings
There are a number of cost savings benefits related to your employees’ use of vacation time. Stressed, overworked employees consistently face more health problems than those who receive regular time off. By prioritizing employee health through work-life balance and ample vacation time, your company can potentially save money on medical expenses and extended leave. Additionally, unused vacation time can cost the organization money, particularly if you pay out unused time to your employees annually. Lastly, there is the long-term expense of employee retention. Satisfied employees are more likely to stay with the company longer, reducing the need for costly talent searches and onboarding.
As we head into the summer months, we encourage employers and employees alike to consider the many personal and professional benefits of time away from work. Be sure to take some time this summer to reset, refresh, and re-energize mentally and physically. Happy traveling!
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