Are you going on vacation this year? A recent CareeerBuilder.com study found these results about vacations:
- 30% of workers plan to take the office with them and work while on vacation.
- 30% said they will contact work while on vacation, up from 25% in 2010.
- 24% said they can’t afford to take a vacation this year, up from 21% in 2010.
- 16% said they gave up vacation days in 2010 because they didn’t have time to use them.
It feels silly for me to tell you why you need a vacation. Who wouldn’t want to have a vacation?! Rumor has it, the people across the Atlantic take month-long vacations! If you think you don’t have time to use your vacation days, maybe you need to take another look at your priorities and your productivity. Even if your vacation is an unplugged extended weekend at a lake house, it will do you and your company some good. Why does everyone need an occasional vacation? Here are a couple of reasons.
1. Spend time with family and friends
Vacations with our family and friends are valuable times to re-connect and focus on improving or deepening the relationships. These are experiences you, your kids, your significant other, and those close to you will remember and appreciate.
2. True relaxation
What is it like to not receive a hundred emails or a phone call every hour? What if your only concern in the day was what time the pool opens or picking which restaurant to eat at? With the ease of technology these days, it’s hard to truly unwind, but if you make it a point to unplug, your mind will thank you for it. (Plugging in for vacation related things such as using the GPS, finding nearby restaurants, looking up hotel confirmations, etc. is ok.)
3. Energized and focused
Vacation’s over. You’re more relaxed than ever. You had an unforgettable time with your family and friends. Now, you’re back more energized than ever to tackle your workload. A vacation may also have helped you re-focus your goals and ambitions, making you eager to start.
Take a breather! Get out to a beach or take time for a nice, relaxing dinner in your hometown. You’ll find it beneficial.
Where are you going on vacation this summer?
