Do Your Employees Take Enough Vacation?

You give your employees a certain number of vacation days each year, but chances are, many aren’t taking them. According to a May 2017 survey conducted by Glassdoor, the average U.S. employee has taken only 54% of their paid time off during the past year.

If this statistic reflects what’s going on in your office, it’s time to take action. Your employees might think they’re showcasing a diehard work ethic by forfeiting their vacation days, but they’re not helping anyone in the long run.

4 Reasons Your Employees Need a Vacation

Avoid Burnout

Your staffers are only human. There are limits to the amount of work they can endure before reaching their breaking point, and going nonstop without a vacation can expedite this.  If people reach burnout, their health, happiness, and effectiveness at work will plummet. Anyone in this state is basically ineffective, so they’ll no longer be a productive member of your team.

Promote Cross-Training

Like many companies, several employees probably have tasks only they know how to complete. So far, this hasn’t been a problem, but if they were to quit, your team would be in trouble. When people go on vacation, their peers are forced to step in while they’re away, which creates a culture of cross-training. Not only does this cover your bases so more than one person knows how to do the work, it also opens the door for innovation.

Boost Productivity

Getting out of the office on vacation relaxes the mind, body, and soul. Employees return to work with newfound energy and that allows them to work more efficiently. Feeling refreshed from a few days or a week away from the office puts an extra spring in their step that results in an inflated bottom line for your company.

Incite Creativity

A tired mind isn’t the most imaginative. If your staff is exhausted, they’re working on autopilot to accomplish the bare minimum. You can’t expect them to come up with inventive ideas that will advance your company because they don’t have it in them. Getting away from the office for a vacation allows them to enjoy a fresh perspective. They’ll return to work revitalized and filled with creativity, which will be reflected in their work.

If your employees aren’t taking enough vacation, you probably aren’t either. Get the break you need by teaming up with ECS to streamline your contingent labor workforce and minimize the risks associated with employing contract and temporary staffers. Contact us today to get started!

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