Most Americans work hard. This enthusiasm built our nation in the first place and continues to support us today, even amidst social and political upheaval. However, overworking can be detrimental. Surveys have shown that Americans leave a significant number of vacation days on the table each year.
Statistics on Paid Leave
The gap between available vacation time and time taken is at least partly due to how employers view and promote leave. Paid vacation is not mandatory in the United States. In fact, it is the only wealthy country that doesn’t require employers to provide leave benefits.
Remote Employees
Another factor is that more people are working remotely than ever before, thanks to portable technology and the internet. Even when employees take leave from work, they often find themselves busy with work-related tasks like checking emails, having conference calls, and conducting research from their smartphones.
Cultural Habits
Working long hours without adequate rest is perfectly acceptable in the United States. The stereotype of a hard worker relying on large amounts of coffee and sugar-filled pastries is very common. Worse still is the behavior of coworkers who leave work to focus on projects while others take a day or two off, often referred to as “vacation shaming.” Employees feel guilty when they take time away from the pressures of work.
Rates Among the Wealthiest Countries in the World
The Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) published a special report in 2013 that compared international laws related to paid leave benefits and usage rates in the wealthiest countries in the world. CEPR members include 16 European countries, as well as the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand. All of these countries are considered leaders in workplace policies.
Benefits of Taking Regular Vacations
The benefits of paid leave can be seen in many aspects, according to science: leave provides an opportunity to recover from physical and mental exhaustion. Taking time to rest rejuvenates relationships with friends and family members. Paid leave gives employees worry-free time to focus on personal needs. Achieving work-life balance and reducing stress are immediate benefits of vacation. Improved sleep and productivity are cited as major benefits of taking leave. People begin to see the world and its diversity with fresh eyes when they travel for vacations.
Offering Alternatives
Alternatives like flexible working hours, unpaid personal leave, daily nap breaks, and meal periods allow employees to relax when the workplace does not offer leave benefits. Overall, at least five to ten days of paid leave should be offered to all employees in their first year, based on their position and hours worked.
Employees Might Need Encouragement
Paid leave should be something that is encouraged year-round to maintain adequate employment levels and to eliminate the shame or guilt often associated with taking a break. While many employees wish to save their leave days for extended vacations and travel, managers should ensure they use their downtime when they are ill, stressed, or showing a decrease in focus.
Setting a Positive Example
Business leaders can set a good example for employees by taking time off. Discussing the benefits of vacation time and how it helps people remain productive and happy, along with the health benefits of time off – all of these factors can influence others to do the same.
Benefits of Leave for Low-Wage Workers
Low-wage and minimum-wage workers should ensure they use all the paid leave days they are entitled to each year. They’re effectively forfeiting wages if they do not take advantage of it.
Can
Employees are encouraged to focus on personal matters during their time off, which may include planning to earn more in the upcoming year. Educational benefits can help low-wage workers learn a trade or obtain a college degree while working, and paid leave time is a critical component when they need time to study for exams.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/why-americans-feel-guilty-about-using-vacation-benefits-4156884
Leave a Reply