Are You Being Robbed?

American workers leave 658 million vacation days unused annually and this is part of a steady decline since 2000.  222 million of these days cannot be rolled over, paid out or banked.  They are just gone. These statistics are according to the U.S. Travel Association’s new initiative, Project: Time Off (PTO), which Harvard Business Review calls “the most robust examination of how vacations affect companies and employees.”

Costs to the nation

If those days had been used, it is estimated to have resulted in 1.6 million jobs and $65 billion additional income generated to service vacationers and would have flooded the U. S. economy with $223 billion.

Costs employers

Workers with downtime deficit are less productive, have lower concentration, less job satisfaction, creating strained relationships, lower morale and lower employee retention.

Costs us

This affects our health, happiness, relationships and social life.  PTO research shows, “Employees who take 10 or less days of vacation time are less likely to receive a raise or bonus than those who take 11 days or more.”

Vacation is good for us. Countless studies show taking time away can~

• Reduce stress
• Refresh and re-energize
• Provide a new perspective and outlook on life
• Increase productivity by lowering burnout and increasing mental power
• Help us stay connected with family and friends, strengthening relationships and social life.
• Protect our health as the body and mind heal when pressure is relieved.
• It’s FUN!

Diamond Resorts International promotes a Stay Vacationed™ philosophy to “Stay Happy/Stay Healthy”.

Before–   Planning and anticipation.  Good for you even before vacation starts.

During–   Mental and physical benefits of temporarily breaking away from routine.

After–      Post vacation fun, reviewing photos, sharing stories of your experiences, reliving memories and the excitement of being able to do it all over again.

The solution ~ GO ON VACATION!

 What’s holding you back?

 There are legitimate reasons.

According to Project Time Off research, FEAR, especially during challenging economical times.

• Returning to a mountain of work
• No one else to do the job
• Can’t afford
• Harder to take time off as you grow with the company
• Being perceived as less dedicated
• Being seen as replaceable

The last few are perpetuated by American workplace culture.  Did you know, we are the only industrial country that doesn’t mandate vacation days and 35% of our workers receive none?  Yet 80% of employees said if they felt fully supported and encouraged by their boss, they would be likely to take more time off.

There are additional hindrances for many that can be boiled down to fear of the following three things.

• Fear people might question your dedication or the necessity of your position if you take some time off.
• Fear there is too much to do and going away will make it worse.
• Fear you can’t afford it.

Gain the boss’s support.  Studies show bosses have more influence over an employee’s decision to take time off than an employee’s family, so it’s important to communicate how the benefits of you vacationing, as discussed previously, will be passed on to the employer.  Gaining the boss’s support will alleviate this first fear. Maybe the conversation will reveal it was unfounded in the first place.

Time management skills, before and after, are the answer.  “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”

Intentionally design (organize) your day, before it begins, to accomplish essential tasks (prioritize).

Streamline, delegate and automate.

Schedule the hardest tasks for when you have the most energy and are most alert.

Manage communications by checking voicemail and email at set intervals.

Plan for interruptions.

Financial management skills.  Years ago I opened Christmas and Vacation Clubs at my local bank.  Weekly auto withdrawals add up to an annual check that more than covers lodging, food and spending cash.  For those without paid vacation, this provides funds to cover expenses while you are off.  Food expenses can be balanced by using the kitchens in timeshare condos, Airbnb’s, and even some hotels that provide mini-fridges and microwaves.

“If you want something, you will find a way, if not, you will find an excuse.”  Now you have no more excuses so go make your escape (and send me a postcard)!