Vacation – You Earned It, So Use It!
Throughout the many years in the public and private sectors, I’ve observed people failing to take breaks and enjoy the rest they deserve. Employees may lose vacation time simply because they didn’t make a commitment to use it. The reasons are usually the same in both sectors.
Here are a few of the reasons:
- Personal Preference: saving time off for emergencies and future plans but miscalculate leading to unused days and end up losing it.
- Money: associating time off with travel or other expensive activity even though it doesn’t have to include spending.
- Company Culture: implicitly praising those who work without breaks and promoting an “always -on “culture.
- Job security: During times of uncertainty and in high competing workplaces, some workers may feel that taking time off may make them seem less committed. This may lead to reluctance to take a break – less incentive to use their vacation time.
- Leadership: Failure of the workplace management to support wellness, and promote workplace cultures that value and encourage taking time off.
Vacation – Some Things You Can Do
Prioritize Your Wellbeing
- Recognize the Importance of Rest: Understand that taking time off is crucial for mental and physical health.
- View Time Off as Necessary: Treat vacation time as an essential part of your work-life balance, not a luxury. Self care is your responsibility and involves taking time to rest. Checkout my previous post here – https://t-worktalk.com/the-gift-of-rest-a-free-treasure-we-overlook/
Set Boundaries
- Disconnect Fully: Avoid checking emails or responding to work messages during your vacation. Set up an out-of-office response to let colleagues know you’re unavailable.
- Resist the Pressure to Overwork: Remember that taking time off is your right, and prioritize it regardless of workplace culture.
Practice Work-Life Balance
- Incorporate Micro-Breaks: Use personal days or even a few hours off for small breaks to recharge regularly.
- Balance Responsibilities: Build habits that ensure work doesn’t dominate your life, making vacations feel natural rather than indulgent.
Some Things Managers Can Do
- Lead by example: Take Vacations Yourself. When managers take time off, it sends a message that it’s acceptable and encouraged for everyone to do the same.
- Share Experiences: Talk about the benefits of your own vacations to normalize time off.
- Communicate Vacation Policies: On a regular basis remind employees of the policies to ensure they understand “use-it-or-lose-it” policy and rollover rules.
- Make it easy for team members to plan their vacation such as offering flexible schedules
- Encourage team members to take breaks as this will reduce burnout. A well rested team is a highly productive team
Solving these issues often involve supportive management and creating a workplace culture that values and promotes taking time off.
T’s Tip: No employee is irreplaceable – Take the break!
Connect with us @ https://t-worktalk.com/ and be inspired!
Check out my children’s book Ducks in the Lake and Sweet Lena in the Amazon bookstore. Expand your child’s world and imagination!
Leave a Reply