5 Reasons Why Your Job Wants You to Take a Vacation

What’s your excuse for leaving vacation days unused? Turns out, your boss doesn’t want to hear it.

Did you know that 662 million paid vacation days went unused last year? Yeah, we’re pretty shocked, too. This fact and others from Project Time Off have us wondering why we're leaving this company benefit on the table. American workers have thought of every excuse in the book to not take vacation days. Paid time off is your legal right, and that’s why we’re celebrating National Plan for Vacation Day with an entire event focused on your time off. Truth be told, everyone would be happier if you used your vacation time – including your boss – and we’ve got the facts to prove it.

Happy Employee, Happy Company

Vacations make us happy, and we don’t need extensive scientific research to prove it – although, it’s out there. However, both science and personal experience tell us happy employees make for a more successful company. Businesses that encourage vacations have a lower turnover rate and workers are more likely to go above and beyond when asked. So the next time you’re concerned about requesting time off, don’t worry. Go ahead, book that beach getaway, and everyone will be happy.

Inspiring Innovation

Whether it happens while we’re in the shower, cooking dinner, or lying on the beach in Cancun, most big ideas develop outside the boardroom. A change of scenery offers a new perception, plus science tells us travel awakens our creative side. Companies who encourage time off can happily say their workers are problem solvers, innovators, better thinkers, and key drivers to their success.

Communication is Key

Exploring the world exposes us to people of different backgrounds and a variety of cultures. From trekking around Japan to cruising the coast in California, travelers develop relationships with people whose views and opinions vary from their own. This makes them more tolerant and helps them overcome communication issues. These skills are the best souvenirs you can bring back to the office, where you’ll now communicate better with coworkers, outside partners, customers, and management.

Refresh. Recharge. Repeat.

No matter how much we might love our job, it’s always important to get away for a little while. After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder, and spending time away from the office renews and reinforces those feelings. Plus, vacation is good for relaxing the mind and body. You’ll return to the office with a new-found energy, and your boss will love the boost in attitude and enthusiasm.

Liability Lies in the Balance

Let’s get to the bottom line. Money is the main concern of every business. Many employees think they’re saving their company by not using vacation days, but the truth is drastically different. Unused vacation days are a major liability to a business. In fact, the U.S. Private Sector reported having $272 billion in vacation liability on the books, which roughly divides into $2220 per employee. By taking a vacation, you’re potentially saving your company thousands of dollars in liability. Your boss can thank you when you get back.

If you’re still on the fence about booking your vacation for this year, here’s our final and most convincing motivational fact from our friends at Project Time Off:

Employees who take vacation time are 27% more likely to have been promoted within the last year and 84% more likely to have received a raise or bonus in the last three years.

Boom. Can’t argue with those numbers.

Make your boss happy and take a vacation. As for us, our bosses are going to be elated. Visit your local Liberty Travel to #TakeADay at our National Plan for Vacation Event and let our travel consultants help you make the most of your time off this year.