The Importance of Vacation Time
No one ever feels like their vacation from work was long enough. Employees look forward to vacation time off for weeks and then it goes by faster than a week of work. The United States needs more vacation time. According to many studies it is no secret that the United States is known to allow and require the least amount of days of vacation for employees. Research has found the United States is one of the few countries that requires employees to take zero days of vacation whereas many other countries such as France, Italy, Belgium, Australia, and Germany require anywhere from 20 to 30 days of vacation to be taken for their employed (Average vacation days by country). According to the Bureau of Labor Statics, it has been shown that throughout the years less and less Americans take vacation and many leave 9.2 of their vacation days unused (Scribner, 2014). Vacation is so important to the safety, efficiency, and accuracy of the workforce and here are three of the reasons why.
A benefit found in an article referencing The New York Times is better physical health (Scribner, 2014). It is no secret that the United States is known to have some of the greatest physical health issues for a first world country. These issues often stem from being too tired to exercise or not having enough time to do so. With employees being required to take all their vacation time or allowed more paid vacation they are allowed more time to physically recharge and become healthier. Being in good physical health keeps employees safe and safety should be of utmost importance to business owners in keeping their business in good standing and successful.
Another benefit found in in an article referencing The New York Times is the benefit of productivity also known as efficiency in the workforce (Scribner, 2014). It has been shown that after vacation people are more efficient and fast to get their makeup work and current work done and typically in a much clearer mindset. The United States is often known to look for the most efficient way to perform to allow for greater success in the workforce. Proper rest that comes with vacation allows for greater productivity and efficiency.
Lastly is burnout and mental health (Scribner, 2014). Vacation allows the brain to take a break from the day to day activities, decisions, and stresses of the workforce. Burnout is the last thing any employer wants an employee they have invested in to hire and train. As well as to risk any mental health of an employee that could harm the safety, efficiency, or accuracy of their business. Vacation not only allows a break from all the workforce bring but it also allows the person to reduce stress and take time form themselves mentally whether it be spending time with family, going on an adventure, or just relaxing at home they are mentally re-charging however they need to be able to come back with a fresh mind to continue in safe mental health and not feel burned out. Allowing the person to stay with the business or job longer and become more efficient and accurate with the job or business.
There are many more reasons that vacation is beneficial to the workforce and why the united states should require employees to take their vacation days. From a business owners perspective allowing their employees vacation time will have many more benefits than harm to their business. With vacation leading to improved safety, efficiency, and accuracy it should not only be suggested and given but required.
Reference
Scribner, H. (2014). 7 benefits of taking vacation time. Desert news. Retrieved from: https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865609183/7-benefits-of-taking-vacation-time.html
Average vacation days by country. Retrieved from: http://www.vpcalendar.net/average-vacation-days-by-country.html