Several researches have been conducted to bring to our attention that around 15% Americans who get the lucky benefit of having paid vacations, in fact, do not take that time off whereas a majority of three-quarters ends up using only “some” of it. If that were not horrifying already, 60% of the workers who do take an off, use their time doing office work.
Why you ask? Well, the same report went on to suggest the following
- Afraid of bosses
- Afraid of losing their job
- Afraid of not meeting their targets
- Fear of high expectations
- Contacted by coworkers/boss
- Afraid of coming back to “a mountain of work”
I did not know which one of these was more hilarious. So I went ahead to draft the following reasons why you as an employee don’t need to work yourself too hard and as an employer why you need to give your workers that sort of support.
Stress Triggers? Take a Break.
It won’t be the first time that as an entrepreneur you hear the importance of striking out a work-life balance to get maximum productivity. Whether it’s sleeping or investing in an exercise regime, it helps to take a deep breath, let go of fear, and just relax. Of course, every individual, unique as they are, needs a different level of these to survive at work – too little for some would mean stalling at work, too much would equate to being overwhelmed.
Quit juggling multiple crises. Take a break. Do what you are passionate about, or maybe second most passionate about if the first you have on the list is your work. The burnout from a heavy workload needs to be replaced with renewed vigor and creativity.
Losing Sight of What’s Important? Take a Break.
I don’t believe anybody’s immune to the way work makes you lose connection with everything else. You lose priorities that have real value. From spending time with your own self to your family, a sailing trip or just chilling at home helps cultivate a worthwhile, rejuvenating experience.
Don’t be a mechanical workaholic. There’s no need to. So stop yourself the moment you reach out to pack your laptop and Blackberry with you. Get yourself unplugged. Your child is learning from you. Model out quality balance for them as you enjoy life with them. Groom your personal and social development.
Do Your Prep Work
Make sure you have made specific plans for the time even if it’s asking you to get out of your safety zone this time. You are more likely to get approval if the plan has been scheduled well in advance and there are costs attached to it. Obtain unconditional trip insurance. Coax your coworkers to cover you in your absence. Promise to check in briefly every day but don’t be “on call” while you are away. Avoid the guilt further in case yours is not a paid vacation by properly saving for it.
