To vacation, or not to vacation? Summer is here and it’s vacation time. Surprisingly, not everyone automatically plans to take a vacation.
Here are some stats:
- There was a Google Consumer Surveys conducted in the first few days of 2015. They asked 1,500 American adults how many vacation days they took last year. Nearly 42 percent of people reported not using a single day of their 10 average allotted vacation days.
- Careers website Glassdoor and Harris InteractiveHPOL NaN% took a poll of 2,300 workers who get paid vacation. Only 25% said they use all their paid days each year and 61% said that while they’re on vacation, they continue to work. A quarter of respondents said that a colleague got in touch about work while they were on vacation and 20% heard from their boss.
- Another survey by Expedia, measured vacation deprivation by country. Which countries were the most vacation deprived? United States, Canada, Mexico, Singapore, Japan and South Korea. Americans earn fewer vacation days than people in most countries but still leave 2 days unused on average. Canadians earn fewer vacation days as well but tend not to accumulate any vacation days.
Among the surveys taken, other information revealed was:
- Women took fewer vacation days than men.
- Younger workers tended to use fewer vacation days.
- People living in the suburbs took more vacation days.
- People in the West took more vacation days than those in other regions.
- Workers with higher incomes took more vacation.
- 15 percent of Americans took more than 20 vacation days.
So what is holding people back? Here are some reasons:
- 40 percent of American workers cite the heavy workload awaiting their return as the top challenge in taking PTO.
- 35% won’t use their time off because they believe “nobody else can do the work while I’m away.”
- 28% respondents do not use all their time off because they want to show complete dedication to the company and their job.
- 33% say they simply “cannot afford” to take vacation. More than one-fifth of respondents (22%) said they didn’t want others to see them as “replaceable.”
My vacation time is coming up and I am super excited. Not just because I will be taking a cruise. I get excited even during those times when I take a “staycation”. It gives me a chance to unwind and relax and get the required rest needed for the rest of my 49 weeks of hard work (I get 3 weeks off in the year).
I can still visualize my vacation to Disney World with my kids 3 years ago. It still puts a smile on my face.
Still not convinced that taking a vacation is worth it? There are too many stats and important reasons to take regular vacations.
Here are Seven Reasons why you should be planning your vacation this year:
Holidays Can Make you Live Longer –
Studies show that experiences on holiday are linked to 3 main elements of happiness. Happiness reduces stress levels which in turn will make you live longer.
Taking time off gives your Body the Needed Break –
By taking a break, you are giving your body the needed time to recharge. When you have more energy, you are more prepared for challenges and work load ahead.
Take a Break to Ignite your Creativity –
The author of How To Succeed In Business Without Working So Damn Hard, Robert Kriegel says that many workers get their best ideas away from work.
Even Staycations have their Benefits –
Research shows that people who take vacations see an increased boost in happiness up to 8 weeks before they even take their vacation. I have been visualizing my vacation since I booked it in March.
Invest in Your Family –
You can create many memories and deposit into the family’s emotional bank account. Throughout the year, there are so many responsibilities that one has to commit to. This may at times put the quality of family time at the back burner. Vacation time can be a great way to connect with your family.
Vacations Boost your Productivity –
34 percent of professionals come back from vacations and are more productive. They also feel better about their jobs.
Save your Company Money by taking a vacation –
According to Christine Hohlbaum, author of The Power of Slow: 101 Ways to Save Time in Our 24/7 World, people who go on vacation and take a break are less likely to have a burnout and tend to take less sick days. Your body, when overloaded, will find a way to get the rest it needs even if it is not planned.
“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it. ~Attributed to both Jim Goodwin and Sydney J. Harris”
What is your philosophy on taking vacations? Comment below. For fun, answer the survey below and I will share the results on a future post.