How Does Vacation Help in Boosting Employee Wellbeing?

Do you know that most Americans are known to work long hours and take less time off? As per the IPX Survey, a majority of American employees either cancel, postpone or shorten their vacation time. 

One reason can be that they are workaholics. Another reason is that they like to project to their employer that they are totally committed to work. In other cases, they may feel discouraged to take time off due to their employers. 

No matter what the reason is, not taking time off can take a toll on employee wellbeing. That’s why it is critical for both employers and employees to understand the importance of vacation.  

How Important is Vacation for Employees?

Escalates Mindfulness

Traveling breaks the normal routine. This decreased familiarity is what makes most people feel fully present and stimulated. 

According to research, vacations and mediations supposedly possess overlapping effects. The report suggested that vacationing and meditation exercises are associated with increased mindfulness and wellbeing.

Heightens Brainpower

Taking a vacation helps your brain to relax, thereby consolidating knowledge and brainpower. Brigid Schulte ,author of Overwhelmed: Work, Love and Play When No One Has the Time, says “Neuroscience is so clear, through PET scans and MRIs, that the ‘aha’ moment comes when you’re in a relaxed state of mind.” 

It’s also the reason why you always get the best idea when you’re in the shower, on a walk, or on a vacation.

Lowers Stress Levels

Chronic stress, over a time period, can lead to increased health risks. The American Psychological Association released a study concluding that time-off indeed helps in reducing stress. 

Another report also suggested that spending 120 minutes a week or more in natural environments like beaches, parks, and woodlands can promote wellbeing and health.

Enhances Heart Health

Not taking vacations may damage health. There’s a range of health issues associated with it, such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, excess belly fat, etc. When combined, all these increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or even stroke. 

However, taking vacations regularly can help reduce the risk. A study also found that people who go frequently on vacations are less likely to be diagnosed with this metabolic syndrome. 

Boosts Sleep

Sleepless nights or insomnia is an issue that most employees can relate to. It often happens when you have a lot going on in your mind. 

But taking a vacation from work can help overcome it. It breaks habits like working late at night, checking mobile phones before bed, etc., which is a major cause of a disruptive sleep cycle. 

Another reason why vacation improves sleep is that sleeping in the new bed detaches you from the negative sleep patterns that happened back home.

What Managers Should Do to Encourage Employees to Take Time off?

One of the best things that managers can do to encourage taking time off is by introducing paid time off (PTO) into the work policy. In fact, according to a Glassdoor survey, employees considered vacation and paid time off to be more important than pay raises. But despite the desire, the U.S. still remains far behind in offering this benefit.

So, now that you understand the importance of vacation for employee wellbeing, it is your responsibility to help your employees take a vacation. Ensure that they take the time off if they don’t do it on their own. It will be beneficial to both you and your employees in the end.