Vacation Matters: Don’t Be A Work Martyr!
Since the summer vacation season has drawn to a close, I invite you to take stock of the time you’ve had off so far this year. Have you taken all the vacation that’s coming to you?
According to an eye-opening new study commissioned by Travel Effect, an initiative of the U.S. Travel Association, forty percent of Americans are leaving paid vacation days on the table. That translates to 430 million days of unused vacation time a year, and, as a result, American workers are feeling more overwhelmed at work than ever.
The study entitled ‘Overwhelmed America: Why Don’t We Use Our Paid Time Off?’ surveyed 1300 Americans to find that one of the top reason workers don’t take their paid time off (PTO) is because they feel someone else can’t do their job. The study also revealed that workers forgo vacation because they dread returning to a huge backlog of work. In addition, they fear that they’ll be seen as replaceable if they’re away for any length of time.
“Americans suffer from a work martyr complex,” said Roger Dow, President of the U.S. Travel Association. “In part, it’s because ‘busyness’ is something we wear as a badge of honor, but it’s also because we’re emerging from a tough economy and many feel less secure in their jobs. Unfortunately, workers do not seem to realize that forfeiting their vacation time comes at the expense of their overall health, well-being and relationships.”
While it can be challenging for me to ‘power down’ and get into vacation mode, I’m always happy I did. My summer getaway this past July was just what I needed to recharge my batteries. How about you? Are you able to disconnect from the office?
If you have PTO coming to you, take it. Here are five reasons why it’s in your best interest:
Breaks Stress Cycle. The Travel Effect study found that one in four workers are chronically stressed, so vacation is key to breaking the cycle of overwhelm that can ultimately lead to job burnout.
- Disconnecting from work can help you reconnect with family members – creating shared memories and strengthened bonds. Vacation can help you reconnect with and rediscover yourself as well!
Gives Perspective. Taking time away from your job is a great mental reboot that helps you take stock of where you are and where you’re headed in your work. A greater understanding of the ‘big picture’ is a valuable by-product of vacation time.
Promotes Creativity. Stepping away from the day-to-day can help get the creative juices flowing. Great ideas for work often bubble up when you’re enjoying an ocean view or hiking a mountain trail, and not thinking about work. Jot down any kernels of creative inspiration, then get back to the R&R.
Overall Well-Being. Studies have found that, weeks after a satisfying vacation, the positive effects ripple into every area of workers’ lives.
Vacation from work helps you recharge and replenish your mind, body and spirit, and that benefits you, not only professionally, but personally as well. I encourage you to shed the ‘work martyr’ mantle and take the vacation you deserve!
