We might be some of the hardest workers in the world, but what we should be doing is working smarter
You might have a stack of travel magazines on your coffee table, but if
you’re like most Canadians, you aren’t going anywhere. According to the
National Work-Life Conflict study, a major study of more than 33,000
Canadians conducted in 2001, Canadians forfeit 32 million vacation days
per year. Combine that with one of the lowest rates of paid vacation –
just 19 days per year, on average – and Canadians might just be some of
the hardest workers out there.
But before you congratulate yourself on your work ethic and turn back to your to-do list, consider this: Taking time off can make you a better, healthier, more productive employee. In other words, a little time off – paid or not – is not only better for you, but also for your bottom line. Here’s why…
Plus, too many sick days can cause employers to question your commitment – not to mention leave them in the lurch when you don’t show up. Some pre-planned R&R will allow you to leave your work in order and return to it with more vigor. Think of it this way: If you’re going to be flat on your back, wouldn’t you rather be on a beach somewhere?
So, while a vacation or a little time off might feel overwhelming in terms of your workload, it’s more likely that it’ll actually give you the mental energy to better tackle your job – and even move up to a higher paying one over time. Also keep in mind what your boss probably already knows: The most successful people aren’t always the ones who work the hardest; they’re often those who work the smartest.
1. Save
According to Expedia’s 2011 Vacation Deprivation Survey, 26 percent of Canadians skip their vacation time because they can’t afford the trip. Rather than bail out at the last minute because there’s no cash, make an affordable vacation plan and start setting some money aside for it each month. That way, you’ll have the freedom to fly someplace new, without getting dragged down by debt.
2. Plan ahead
About 14 percent of Canadians opted out of taking a trip because they didn’t feel they had time to plan. Planning a vacation can be a pain, but with so many online tools, it’s getting easier than ever. If travel guides and itineraries make you cringe, buy a packaged deal. These are often a great value, and many will even plan your day-to-day activities. Once your departure date arrives, there’ll be nothing left to do but enjoy the trip!
3. Be flexible
According to Expedia, about 6 percent of Canadians believe their bosses won’t support their request for vacation time. Employees are entitled to a certain amount of vacation time under provincial law. Entitled. However, exactly how and when that time is given is largely up to your employer. If you ask for vacation time on short notice or without considering your employer’s needs, your request is more likely to be denied. Instead, sit down with your manager or someone from human resources at the beginning of the year and talk about when you might be able to take time off. Getting your foot in the door early here provides another benefit - your request is more likely to be approved if you’re the first one to ask.
4. Stay home
Virtually all the studies that look at the personal and professional benefits of vacation time make no mention of what people are doing during that time off. They don’t even analyze the benefits of a vacation so much as time off work. What that suggests is that you don’t need to be on some faraway, sun-soaked beach or winding your way through Europe to feel the love. In fact, you might just take a few days off to enjoy your own city, or get reacquainted with that old hammock in the backyard. Maybe you won’t get any cool photos for your Facebook profile, but it sure beats forfeiting those days off altogether.
From: Goldengirlfinance.com/ Posted by Mags
But before you congratulate yourself on your work ethic and turn back to your to-do list, consider this: Taking time off can make you a better, healthier, more productive employee. In other words, a little time off – paid or not – is not only better for you, but also for your bottom line. Here’s why…
Better rested than dead
Have you ever snuggled happily into the couch with your tissues and tea for a sick day? Sure, you might feel awful, but at least you don’t have to go to work, right? Everyone needs time off, but if you don’t give yourself a break, your body will force your hand and you’ll end up flat on your back for a week. A 2009 study by the University of Pittsburgh's Mind-Body Center found that employees who regularly took time for leisure activities, including vacations, had lower blood pressure, lower stress hormones and smaller waists. Several studies have also found that more vacation time reduces our risk of death overall. Imagine what a little time away could do for the common cold!Plus, too many sick days can cause employers to question your commitment – not to mention leave them in the lurch when you don’t show up. Some pre-planned R&R will allow you to leave your work in order and return to it with more vigor. Think of it this way: If you’re going to be flat on your back, wouldn’t you rather be on a beach somewhere?
Work less, do more
More vacation makes for more productive employees. If it didn’t, we wouldn’t see so many big, successful companies encouraging employees away from their desks. It’s no wonder - several U.S. studies have found that stressed out, overworked employees make more mistakes, are less likely to advance and may even reduce their career aspirations. Perhaps most tellingly, a 2005 report by the American Institute of Stress found that stress costs U.S. employers as much as $300 billion per year in absenteeism, employee turnover, productivity and direct medical costs.So, while a vacation or a little time off might feel overwhelming in terms of your workload, it’s more likely that it’ll actually give you the mental energy to better tackle your job – and even move up to a higher paying one over time. Also keep in mind what your boss probably already knows: The most successful people aren’t always the ones who work the hardest; they’re often those who work the smartest.
Stop making excuses
So, how can you make sure your vacation dreams become a reality this year? Here are some tips on how to get away…1. Save
According to Expedia’s 2011 Vacation Deprivation Survey, 26 percent of Canadians skip their vacation time because they can’t afford the trip. Rather than bail out at the last minute because there’s no cash, make an affordable vacation plan and start setting some money aside for it each month. That way, you’ll have the freedom to fly someplace new, without getting dragged down by debt.
2. Plan ahead
About 14 percent of Canadians opted out of taking a trip because they didn’t feel they had time to plan. Planning a vacation can be a pain, but with so many online tools, it’s getting easier than ever. If travel guides and itineraries make you cringe, buy a packaged deal. These are often a great value, and many will even plan your day-to-day activities. Once your departure date arrives, there’ll be nothing left to do but enjoy the trip!
3. Be flexible
According to Expedia, about 6 percent of Canadians believe their bosses won’t support their request for vacation time. Employees are entitled to a certain amount of vacation time under provincial law. Entitled. However, exactly how and when that time is given is largely up to your employer. If you ask for vacation time on short notice or without considering your employer’s needs, your request is more likely to be denied. Instead, sit down with your manager or someone from human resources at the beginning of the year and talk about when you might be able to take time off. Getting your foot in the door early here provides another benefit - your request is more likely to be approved if you’re the first one to ask.
4. Stay home
Virtually all the studies that look at the personal and professional benefits of vacation time make no mention of what people are doing during that time off. They don’t even analyze the benefits of a vacation so much as time off work. What that suggests is that you don’t need to be on some faraway, sun-soaked beach or winding your way through Europe to feel the love. In fact, you might just take a few days off to enjoy your own city, or get reacquainted with that old hammock in the backyard. Maybe you won’t get any cool photos for your Facebook profile, but it sure beats forfeiting those days off altogether.
Get outta town!
Taking time off can mean lower stress, better health and better overall productivity. Canada already has some of the shortest paid holidays in the world. Seriously, people, why the heck aren’t you using what you’ve got?From: Goldengirlfinance.com/ Posted by Mags
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