Time to read: 2 minutes

How many times have you heard your boss tell you that? In fact, how many times have you told your employees that?

Let's face it. Too many bosses discourage employees from taking more than a day off or a weekend here and there. And even then, they don't discourage a barrage of phone calls from work, and many will expect employees to check their email several times a day. A two-week getaway to the Far East? Not a chance.

Every year, surveys reveal that a significant portion of U.S. workers don't plan on taking all their vacation time. A 2024 survey by Eagle Hill Consulting found that 48% of U.S. workers do not expect to use all of their allotted vacation days by year-end . Similarly, Pew Research Center reported in 2023 that 46% of U.S. workers who receive paid time off take less time than they are offered.

Why does this happen when it's part of a worker's compensation package? Large percentages of workers wouldn't pass on a company-sponsored life insurance plan or forgo a paycheck for all of December, so why are so many people willingly (or perhaps not so willingly) giving their paid time off back to their employers?

Forbes Magazine contributor Kristi Hedges nails the explanation: "The idea of a skimpy vacation as a worthy sacrifice or badge of honor is culturally embedded. The U.S. is the only rich country to not have legally mandated paid vacation and holidays." She goes on, "Science tells us that this is a very bad idea. Increasingly, studies are showing that breaks of any kind are not only good for you; they can actually increase productivity and well-being."

Long Vacations Benefit Both Company and Employee

To create a lasting change in their organization, and maybe even greater society at large, leaders must fully embrace the practical benefits of vacations. Good leaders will be more inclined to not only grant but also encourage employees to take not just a couple of long weekends here and there—and maybe a week off in the summer—but longer vacation time.

Employees come back from a full week (or two or three) of time off when they were able to truly disconnect from work:

• energized and recharged,
• with better ideas,
• a fresh perspective,
• lower stress levels,
• and genuine excitement to tackle work challenges that can become overwhelming without time to recharge.

Truly effective leaders and organizations recognize the value of paid time off and understand it's key to a productive and engaged workforce.

Here are specific steps leaders can take to make sure this happens:

1. Issue specific company policies that encourage all employees of the organization to take all vacation days due to them, and in any increments they prefer.
2. Be clear the time off must not interfere with mission-critical work, but also be clear that one person's week off shouldn't incapacitate a well-run department, and that while every department has busier times on the calendar, it is normal and expected that departments will experience slower times periodically throughout the year.
3. Require that all managers and supervisors conduct short meetings with their employees explaining the vacation policy.
4. Ask employees for feedback regarding perceived problems with the vacation policy. Since many employees may feel constrained to speak up, use an anonymous online feedback form where they can offer suggestions or voice complaints.
5. Assure that all complaints and suggestions are reviewed and addressed by a neutral party, such as the Human Resources department or an external employee relations specialist, to maintain objectivity and trust.
6. Follow up yearly to make sure the new vacation policy is working.

As we head into the height of the summer, when friends and family frequently plan reunions, couples get married, and families with children have the freedom to travel, as leaders, it's our job to help facilitate these getaways. Your employees will thank you for it, and ultimately, your bottom line will thank you for it too.

Celebrate 25 Years of Excellence with Us!

Throughout this milestone year, we’re offering exclusive anniversary packages including:

• Elevate Leadership with Discounted Coaching: Help your leaders go from good to great or great to greater while achieving peak performance with our expert coaching.
  ‍
• Invest in Current and Future Leaders with Discounted Leadership Development Programs: Equip your current and future leaders with the skills and knowledge to lead and thrive in today's competitive landscape.
  ‍
• Strengthen Teams with Engaging, Discounted Teambuilding Experiences: Foster collaboration, enhance communication, and boost morale within your team with a customized teambuilding event.
  ‍
• Inspire and Educate with Discounted Speaking Engagements: Energize your next meeting, conference, offsite, or convention to provide high-energy customized presentation filled with strategies and techniques attendees can immediately apply to improve their skills.
  ‍
• Start with a Complimentary Consultation: Explore your specific needs and discuss how we can help you achieve your organizational goals.
  ‍
• Enjoy Year-Long Surprises: Stay tuned for exclusive offers and special events throughout our anniversary celebration.

Don't Wait! Claim Your 25th Anniversary Packages Today

Contact us today to learn more about our anniversary packages and how we can help you achieve your goals. Call 858-638-8260 or email jeff@wolfmotivation.com.

Wolf Management Consultants – Empowering Success for 25 Years and Beyond