“I have too much work.”, “I can’t be away for that long.”, “I’d rather be paid out for my unused vacation days.” We’ve all heard these phrases before, and admittedly we’ve probably said them ourselves. But, what if we told you that you are a better asset to yourself, your family, and your company when you use your vacation days rather than save them?
The American workforce is among the hardest-working group of people in the world, yet every year Americans throw away over 400 million vacation days. There is a myth that working longer, harder, and putting your career above everything will make you successful, but that is simply not true. By avoiding vacation, not taking time away from work, and refusing to invest in yourself, you create an environment for burnout and resentment.
If that is not enough to convince you, here are three reasons why you should use your vacation days this year:
Reason #1: Vacation revives your productivity
No one is expected to work a full day without a break, so why shouldn’t the same apply to a given year? In the same way that small breaks throughout the day give you energy and rest, longer breaks across the span of a year help revive your purpose, creativity, and productivity. Stepping away from your work environment for a longer period of time allows you to pursue other interests or hobbies that feed your logic and creativity, and create space for a fresh perspective about your work.
When you skip your vacation, you can get stuck in a negative cycle of frustration or, or a creative rut that does not serve you, your team, or your company. What’s more, if your team sees you skipping out on vacation days, they are likely to follow suit, and you have created a team environment of all work and no rest.
Reason #2: You are legally obligated to your vacation days
Often, if you are working in a salaried position, vacation days are included in your contract as something you are entitled to, and the value of those days is calculated into your overall compensation. Vacation is a return on the investment of your time and expertise in your company or organization. In the same way, you would accept a bonus at the end of a year, you should think about your vacation days in the same light!
Reason #3: Relinquishing control results in a stronger team
Despite what you may think, your team can manage without you, and it is important to show that you trust them. It is difficult to let go of the reins and accept that we are not as indispensable as we believe. When you use your vacation days and step away from the team, you encourage them to lean on each other and rely on their own expertise; Stepping back will allow the team to think strategically, and creatively, help them grow, and they are more likely to bring their own fresh ideas to the table. What’s more, when you take your vacation days, you set a positive example for your team to do the same, and the cycle becomes positive.
We’ve all heard the metaphor, put your mask on before you help others (we love a good travel analogy)... This applies directly to your vacation days. When you take time for yourself and get enough rest, relaxation, and restoration, you are creating space for yourself to better serve others.
Ready to use that PTO? Schedule your FREE Travel Consultation today and the ELx Travel team will plan your dream trip today!