Hoping you enjoyed your July 4 th celebrations while finding time to relax and revive. Each year we look forward to slowing down as summer approaches, yet we find that business requires us to be “plugged-in” 24/7. The old phrase “the lazy days of summer” is better stated today as “the crazy days of summer”.
“ According to a recent survey, the average U.S. employee takes only half of their allotted vacation time”. The impact is that the American workforce is overworked, stressed and overwhelmed. People are not built to expand energy continuously. Although many of us believe that taking vacation is a luxury, or perhaps are concerned that leaving work behind for a few days will decrease job security, it’s important for us to recognize the benefits of taking time off and encourage your team members to do the same.
Here’s how it helps:
INCREASES PRODUCTIVITY : Productivity improves when people take vacation and are able to “renew”. Scientific studies demonstrate that when people have the opportunity to step away to clear their heads, they return to work with greater focus and increased energy. A study conducted by the Society for Human Resources (SHRM) found that 77% of talent leaders believe that those who took vacation are more productive than those who don’t.
IMPROVES PERFORMANCE : As stress levels are reduced, cortisol levels come down. Lower cortisol levels help with cognitive functioning. High cortisol levels activate the prefrontal cortex (the area of the brain responsible for executive functioning). As stress levels are reduced, you will see improvement in decision making, social control, and ability to take actions toward a defined goal. “ Professional services firm Ernst & Young conducted an internal study of its employees and found that for each additional 10 hours of vacation time employees took, their year-end performance ratings (on a scale of 1-5) improved 8 percent .”
REDUCES TURNOVER : People who take vacation are happier, more motivated and tend to stick around longer-term. The more control people have over their free time the more likely they are to be satisfied with life overall. Leaders can help to increase the morale of their team by supporting vacation time. Time away from the job will give them an opportunity to regenerate, while also demonstrating that you care about their well-being.
LOWERS HEALTH CARE COSTS : In an effort to reduce the high costs of health care, companies have turned to wellness programs, encouraging healthy lifestyles for employees. Vacation days are another important component for their health and wellness. Studies have shown that time away from work helps to reduce heart disease, depression, and stress.
Who wouldn’t want to work with people who are happier, more focused, and have higher energy levels driving them to be more productive? Sounds like a good outcome to me!
So, what are your next steps?
Help your employees prioritize; identify what work can be delayed.
Use one employee’s time away from the office as an opportunity to develop another team member. Have them learn something new by taking on some of the vacationer’s work.
Reinforce that vacations are beneficial and that they should not worry about being away, and
Find time for your own vacation. It will make you a better boss!
Happy Summer!
For more tips on ways to improve performance while creating a more balanced and engaged workforce, contact me at Leslie@lsradvisors.net or 914-715-0614. You can also visit my website, www.lsradvisors.net for more information about me and how I can support you and your organization.
