Why taking time off is good for your employees and business
Taking time off from work isn't only about booking vacations or getting away from work (though it's a definite plus). It's genuinely good for your team's happiness and it’s a win for your business too. But with screens and notifications here, there, and everywhere, employees feel the pressure to always be online and “on” all the time.
Think about it, when people actually get to step away, whether it's a proper vacation with sunshine and relaxing, or just a day to chill and recharge their batteries, it's like hitting a reset button. They come back feeling fresh, focused, and ready to get to work.
You might be thinking "But if they're not working, business will slow down!". On the surface, it might seem that way but encouraging your team to actually use their vacation time can seriously boost how much they get done, how creative they are, and ultimately, how well the whole business does.
Let’s dig into all the reasons why taking time off is so important. We'll look at how it helps both your employees feel good and how it actually benefits you as an employer. Plus, we'll even toss around some ideas on how to build a company culture where taking time away from work is actually seen as a good thing.
The importance of time off in today's world
The modern office. Think endless notifications, back-to-back Zooms, and after-hours emails. Sound familiar? This constant grind, no matter how virtual and flexible it all seems, leads to burnout. What does this look like in the workplace? Well, it can be in the form of productivity nosedives, that “meh” feeling when it comes to engagement or even sick day requests piling up like a stack of receipts.
There’s actually a 2021 report from Indeed, that showed that there has been an increase in reported burnout after the pandemic. The report showed that 52% of surveyed employees have felt the impact of burnout in 2021, with 36% of them saying that they believe more flexibility and remote working options could help reduce burnout.
If anything, this study just screams that companies need to be more understanding and make work a little easier on their people. That way, everyone can actually have a decent work-life balance and avoid that whole burnout spiral in the long run.
Taking time off is like hitting the pause button on all that craziness. It gives people a chance to properly unwind, dive back into their hobbies, and just hang out with the people they care about. By stepping away from the daily work stress, employees can recharge their batteries and come back feeling like a whole new person, refreshed and actually wanting to get work done.
What are the benefits of taking time off from work for employees?
Let’s first have a look at why taking time off can be a good thing for employees. When your team takes time off, the positive effects go way beyond just a bit of relaxation. Here are just a few of the many benefits that come with taking time off.
Reduced stress
This one gets talked about a lot, but for good reason. The constant demands of work can pile up and create some serious stress. But when your team gets the chance to truly step away they can basically reset those stress levels. Less stress doesn't just mean happier employees, it can also lead to fewer sick days and a more positive overall atmosphere. A win-win for everyone really.
You can go the extra mile to encourage your team to fully disconnect when they're off the clock. Remind them that resisting the urge to constantly check emails or answer calls is key to actually enjoying their time off and getting the proper rest they need.
Improved creativity and productivity
It might sound a bit backwards, but giving people time to step away from work can actually make them way more productive when they return. When employees get the chance to relax and recharge, their brains get a serious refresh. This can often mean more out of the box thinking in the form of creative problem solving or just being more enthusiastic about work in general.
A fascinating 2019 study out of the University of Oxford discovered that happy workers are 13% more productive! Think about that, encouraging your employees to take that well-deserved time off and put their happiness first isn't just a nice gesture, it can actually have a positive impact on your company's bottom line. Fresh minds often bring fresh and innovative ideas to the table, leading to improved performance across the board.
Employee retention
When your employees feel genuinely supported in taking time off and see that their well-being is a priority, they're much more likely to feel valued. And if someone feels satisfied with their job they are probably more likely to stay committed to your company for the long haul. A healthy work-life balance isn't just a buzzword, it's a pretty important factor in boosting employee satisfaction which helps build up that loyalty. When people feel like they have time for their personal lives, they're less likely to look elsewhere for a job in a company that aligns with their values.
How does a business benefit from employees taking time off?
So, we've talked about how taking time off is a big win for your employees, making them happier and healthier. But it's not just a one way street. When you encourage your team to step away and recharge, your business actually gets some pretty fantastic perks too. Think of it as investing in your team's well-being and your company's success. Let's have a look at some of these benefits.
Improved focus and engagement
When your employees aren’t feeling burnt out or exhausted, they’re way more “locked in” at work. They can actually concentrate better on what they need to get done, make smarter decisions and bring positive vibes to the team. A well-rested mind is a sharp mind! And sharp minds lead to higher quality work and an employee that is ready to tackle any task at hand.
Saving you money on turnover costs
Let’s talk about the bottom line, because that is pretty important for a business. We mentioned this already, but if an employee is feeling valued they’re more likely to stick around. Right, but how does this benefit your business? Good question.
Well, just think about all the time and money you could save on recruitment, hiring and training new staff. Plus you get to keep all your top talent, which means valuable knowledge and experience stays in your business.
Planning for those “Out of office” days
When time off is normal and encouraged, it becomes much easier to plan for. Instead of unexpected absences because someone feels burnout or needs to take a last minute sick day, you can work with your team to plan their time off in advance.
This means that managing the workflow for your employees can be dealt with in advance and you don’t have to break the news to poor Joe that he has to work overtime for the rest of the week. You also get the chance to be more proactive instead of reactive, which is always a smarter way to run things.
Building a culture that values time off
When you build a culture that truly values time off, you're creating a positive and supportive environment where your team feels like their well-being matters. And that usually leads to employees being more engaged, motivated, and genuinely invested in the company's success. So, how do we make this happen? Here are some ideas for you to consider when building your culture.
Walk the walk and talk the talk
You need to lead by example. When managers and leaders put their own time off ahead of work, and actually switch off while they're away, it sends a powerful message. It shows everyone else that taking vacations is normal and totally okay. Even chatting openly about your own vacation plans can help make taking time off feel like something to look forward to, not something to feel guilty about.
Make your time off policy crystal clear
Offer a good chunk of paid time off and make sure everyone knows exactly how it works. The clearer and more generous your policy, the more comfortable people will feel taking the time they need. Also, think about letting your team take time off in smaller chunks. This could be half days or single days. Sometimes you just need a little breather for an appointment or to recharge without using up a whole vacation day. Trust us, those half days can be a lifesaver!
Keep booking time off drama free
If booking time off feels like jumping through hoops, people are less likely to bother. Make the process super simple and easy to follow. Using a great leave management system, like Timetastic (just saying), can make a huge difference in making this whole thing a breeze for everyone. Less hassle means more time off actually gets taken.
Remember, time off is a good thing
Regularly remind your team about all the awesome benefits of taking breaks and encourage them to use their vacation time consistently. You can do this through company-wide emails, team chats, or even just casual conversations. Highlighting how time off helps both individuals feel better and actually benefits the company can really shift the mindset and build a positive culture around prioritizing those well-deserved breaks.
A few things to consideration about PTO
Alright, so we all agree that taking time off is a fantastic thing for everyone. But, just to keep things running smoothly and make sure stuff still gets done while people are recharging, there are a few little things to keep in mind.
First off, it's a good idea to have a basic plan for when people are out. This could mean having a couple of people who know how to do each other's jobs, passing tasks around when someone's away, or even bringing in a temporary helper if needed. A little planning can go a long way in keeping things on track without stressing everyone out.
Also, it's super helpful if employees can give you a heads up about when they're planning to take time off. This way, everyone can figure out how to cover things while they're gone. Maybe that means someone else steps in on certain tasks, or the person going on leave does a quick rundown of where things are at before they head out.
What not to do
When your team's finally kicked back and enjoying some well deserved time off, try your absolute best to leave them be. Seriously! Let them properly unplug and recharge those batteries.
Unless it's a genuine, sky is falling emergency, resist the urge to send emails, call, or text them. Respecting their time off by letting them truly disconnect shows you actually care about their well-being. It gives them the space to fully switch off, enjoy their break, and come back feeling refreshed and ready to go.
How Timetastic can help build a positive time off culture for your business!
Honestly speaking, dealing with PTO can be a bit of a drag for everyone, right? That's why Timetastic exists! It's a really easy to use tool that makes the whole process smoother for both you and your team. From tracking who's off and planning for it to making sure everything's covered. With Timetastic, you can:
- Say goodbye to messy paperwork: It makes requesting and approving time off super simple with online forms and automatic approvals. No more chasing down paper or drowning in emails, it just streamlines the whole thing and saves everyone a bunch of time.
- Get a clear picture of who's out: You can easily see who's going to be away and when, so you can plan ahead and avoid any hiccups. It gives you a clear overview to make sure everything keeps running like clockwork.
- Ditch the tedious admin stuff: It takes care of a lot of the annoying tasks, like keeping track of how much time off everyone has and creating reports. This frees up your time to focus on the stuff that really matters. It basically automates all the fiddly bits of leave management, so HR and managers can get back to the bigger picture.
Ready to make managing time off a whole lot easier? Why not give Timetastic a whirl and see all the benefits for yourself? Start your FREE 30-day trial now!