Americans are notorious for not taking enough vacation time despite the benefits it can offer in terms of mental health and productivity. According to a Pew Research Center report from 2023, 62% of workers consider having paid time off extremely important, yet 46% do not fully utilize the time off available to them. Time management coach Elizabeth Grace Saunders points out that not taking time off can lead to burnout and that humans need breaks to stay refreshed and function optimally.
The number of vacation days that workers receive can vary depending on factors such as company tenure, income, and industry. On average, private sector employers offer 11 vacation days after one year of service, increasing to 20 days after 20 years of service. However, a significant percentage of employees do not get paid for unused vacation days or have their unused days roll over to the next year. Shockingly, the US is the only developed nation that does not mandate paid vacation for workers. This lack of regulation leaves many workers without paid vacation benefits, particularly those in service jobs or at smaller companies.
To maximize vacation time, experts recommend strategically planning time off. Grouping vacation days with weekends and paid holidays can extend the time away without sacrificing additional paid time off. For example, taking a single day off after a holiday can create a long weekend. Saunders suggests pacing vacation days throughout the year to prevent burnout, recommending taking at least one day off every month or every couple of months, even for a staycation. Planning longer trips that require more PTO days can also be beneficial for those with limited time off.
Many workers struggle with feelings of guilt when taking time off, with 43% of Americans admitting to not using all their PTO due to concerns about burdening their colleagues. Studies have shown that workers with unlimited PTO policies actually take less time off than those with set limits. To combat these feelings of guilt, experts recommend setting a personal minimum for the number of days off one should take each year, such as a minimum of 15 days off. Fully unplugging while on vacation, including turning off email notifications and avoiding work calls, is also advised to ensure true relaxation and rejuvenation.
Workers who have the flexibility to work remotely or have part-time office arrangements can take advantage of this to travel on cheaper days and extend their vacation time without using paid time off. Leveraging these arrangements to allow for more frequent breaks throughout the year can prevent burnout and keep workers feeling refreshed and engaged with their work. It is essential for workers to prioritize their well-being and recognize the importance of taking time off to recharge and reset.