Why Encouraging Employees to Take Time Off Boosts Productivity

Encouraging employees to take time off is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Ensuring that your team gets enough rest and relaxation can prevent burnout, reduce stress, and minimize the risk of illness. 

Unsurprisingly, employees who take time off enjoy their work more than their burnt-out peers. This sentiment is echoed by recent research, which shows that people who take time off are 56% less likely to experience work stress and are 62% more likely to report high job satisfaction. 

However, many employees still fail to take their paid time off every year. This is a serious issue, as it means many of your best employees aren’t benefiting from the productivity-boosting benefits of time away from work. 

Health and Well-Being

Research from the University of Oxford shows that happy employees are 13% more productive than their coworkers. However, it’s hard to feel happy when you’re constantly bouncing between work and home life with little time for vacation. This emphasizes the importance of encouraging employees to take time off to pursue their interests and hobbies. 

There are several ways you can promote paid time off (PTO). Some of the most effective methods are also the most simple, such as making it easy for people to book time off and creating flexible policies so employees feel supported. You should also lead by example and proactively use your own vacation time throughout the year, so employees know that they’re free to do the same. Additionally, work to address any barriers to PTO use that employees raise, and consider some creative benefits, such as helping employees beat the post-vacation blues.

As a leader, show that taking PTO is part of the workplace culture. Talk openly about your holiday plans and take time away when you feel stress and burnout starting to mount. If you notice an employee hasn’t taken time off, don’t assume they’re planning a vacation or work trip. Instead, give them a gentle reminder that they can step away and that the company will function perfectly well without them for a week or two. 

Burnout and Stress

Additionally, encouraging employees to step away from work and take PTO is a great way to address burnout and work stress in the office. This is crucial, as the long-term impacts of burnout include: 

• Physical and mental fatigue;
• Sleep disruption;
• Elevated blood pressure;
• Increased risk of addiction;
• Weakened immune system. 

Taking time off work can help employees mitigate their stress and reduce the risk of burnout. Encouraging folks to take time off after a stressful project is a great way to boost morale and give employees a goal to achieve. For example, if you’re launching a product, consider offering additional PTO if the project is completed on time and delivered effectively. Doing so can boost productivity and help your team’s morale. 

Productivity and Creativity 

Encouraging employees to take time off can help them become more productive and creative at work. Your team is far more likely to think outside the box when they’re well-rested and aren’t chronically stressed. Burnout is, after all, one of the causes of lack of productivity. 

Bringing out your team’s creative streak is particularly important if you work in a fast-paced, highly demanding environment. You can help employees manage stress and become more creative by encouraging them to: 

• Take micro-breaks to meditate and practice mindfulness.
• Improve their self-talk when they’re away from work.
• Learn the signs of stress so they can take time away when pressure peaks.
• Take breaks that get them outdoors and in nature (backpacking, camping, and spa retreats are perfect ways to unwind in the great outdoors).

If your organization is growing, you can even reward employees by funding some PTO. For example, if you suspect that your product development department is overworked following the completion of a long-term project, consider offering to pay for a portion of your employee’s hotel or spa treatment and extend additional PTO to them. This will make your business more attractive to employees and build your appeal amongst creative applicants who are looking for a people-first employer. 

Improved Retention

Overworked, burnout employees will eventually look for greener pastures. Even the most loyal employees will leave if they cannot take time off, and paying for recruitment will eat into your overall budget. Workplaces with high turnover are less productive as you constantly have to train new employees and will likely lose your most talented staff. 

Perks that improve retention and encourage your team to take time off include time off to volunteer or engage with charity events, funds for health and fitness activities, and educational opportunities. You can even try giving some bonus time off following a challenging period or busy season at your office. Not only do employees have something to look forward to, but they have the chance to rest and bring their best selves to work after a break.

This approach can improve retention at your place of work and help you get more out of your existing workforce. Emphasizing employee retention can improve morale at work and help boost productivity by increasing engagement and reducing turnover. You needn’t break the bank to increase retention, either. Simply offering a few extra days of holiday to those who hit their goals can meaningfully enhance motivation without costing you much as an employer. 

Conclusion 

Ensuring your employees take time off reduces the risk of burnout and can boost workplace morale. Even small changes, like reminding people to take their PTO, can encourage people to take a step away when they need it most. As a leader, you can further advocate for time off by investing in employees’ well-being and offering perks like additional PTO or funding for retreats and spa treatments. 

Author Bio

Indiana Lee is a freelance journalist specializing in business operations, leadership, and marketing. Her writing aims to provide insights that promote personal and organizational growth. Connect with her on LinkedIn.