News & Information

“I need a vacation.” It's a phrase we’ve all undoubtedly heard—and likely said—around the workplace, and there’s some truth behind the sentiment. The rewards of taking vacation and using benefits like paid time off (PTO) are real. According to Psychology Today, employees who take time off experience improvements in both mental and physical health, reduced stress, a lower risk of burnout, and better sleep. They also report higher levels of happiness and more meaningful time spent with loved ones. However, there’s a catch—the benefits are most likely to occur when employees fully disconnect from work, taking time off to enjoy a vacation or simply unwind with friends and family, free from work-related distractions or stressors.

As further reported by Psychology Today, employees with a better work-life balance tend to be healthier overall. However, 46% of employees do not use all the time off they are allotted, and many who do take time off still find themselves working while on vacation. Additionally, more than half of employees report responding to emails or other forms of communication outside of standard working hours. Even when an organization offers an unlimited PTO plan, it can sometimes create confusion or discomfort around taking time off, reinforcing the tendency not to take it.

Barriers to Taking Time Off

Employees may choose not to take time off for a variety of reasons. In the United States, many view work as a central part of their self-identity, which can contribute to a reluctance to disconnect. Aside from employees creating their own challenges for taking time off, here are some other factors that may lead to resistance.

• Lack of support from their supervisor or team
• Operating in an organizational culture that maintains an “always on” mindset
• Fear of returning to an overwhelming workload
• A poor benefit plan design with little or no incentive for taking time off

Strategies to Support Time Away

• Lead by Example

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance contributes to higher productivity, lower absenteeism, improved presenteeism, greater job satisfaction, and stronger employee retention. It’s not just beneficial for employees—It’s essential for a healthy work environment and positive organizational culture. When employees witness their supervisors, managers, and leadership team practice healthy habits such as stepping away from work to rest and recharge, they are more likely to engage in this behavior themselves. This sets the tone for a culture that truly supports well-being.

• Education for Employees on the Importance of Time Off

In addition to demonstrating leadership support, it's important to help employees understand how taking time off positively impacts their health, well-being, and overall success at work. While some research suggests that taking at least a week or more off each year is linked to significant health benefits, shorter breaks can also be valuable. Even brief periods of time off can offer meaningful benefits if that’s what an employee prefers. Regardless of how employees choose to take their time off, regularly communicate to them that time off will allow them to decrease their stress, improve their mental health, foster joy and happiness, decrease their chance for heart attack and stroke, and improve their productivity.

• Incorporate Work-Life Balance into the Wellness Strategy

Aim to create a culture where taking time off is normalized and celebrated. To truly establish this as part of a comprehensive wellness strategy, go beyond simply offering time off—Develop initiatives that fully support employees in doing so. This could include helping employees plan ahead, temporarily redistributing responsibilities, or cross-training team members to provide coverage during absences. Take it a step further by exploring flexible scheduling options, where feasible, to allow for micro-breaks or shorter periods of time off. Additionally, consider implementing policies and benefit plan designs that actively encourage and incentivize employees to take time off.

Time off helps employees bring their best selves to work. They return happier, healthier, and more productive. When employees feel fully supported, they are more likely to believe it’s ok to step away from work—and more likely to actually do so. So go ahead: Take that vacation. You, and your work, will be better for it.