Why do most avoid this important investment?
Why do so many of us not use our vacation days? Salespeople talk about “leaving money on the table.” Well, employees leave vacation on the table, and the cost to us is significant.
In fact, Americans leave 429 million vacation hours on this proverbial table, according to a report from Forbes. USA Today reports that, according to their study, over 30% of employees do not use all of their vacation days.
When we discuss investing, we talk about putting money aside in order to make a profit. We discuss putting money into stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and so forth. People also discuss investing in your career, like investing in an education or in a certification. Maybe we should talk about another investment that could pay dividends in your career, which is, of course, an investment in your well-being.
Reasons That People Skip Vacations
There are several reasons people give for missing out on vacation days:
- The idea that your boss expects constant work and looks down on those who dare to take a break.
- An allegiance to the idea that hard work is the key, over-arching purpose of life.
- People worry about not getting that promotion if they take time away from the office.
These reasons are largely self-imposed. Most managers understand the benefits of vacation to their employees, not only for employee morale but also for his or her job performance. Additionally, the health benefits of vacation result in employees missing fewer days for illness and less time for medical appointments.
Benefits
There are, of course, personal benefits to going on a vacation or taking a staycation. The opportunity to create shared experiences and strengthen relationships are the things that bring us joy and happiness, and adds to our positive outlook. Taking time off can also provide substantial benefits for you in your job or career:
- Reduce stress
- Increase productivity
- Disengage from digital devices
- Increase creativity
Conclusion
It is clear that taking time to “unplug” and relax pays dividends for your mental and emotional health, as well as your productivity at work. Invest in your vacation as you would in your retirement or education, with the expectation of long-term returns. So, take that trip, spend time with friends and family, unwind and invest in you!!
Source: Financial Media Exchange. Used with permission.
