Recent analysis of annual leave shows that people are taking less time off, the average number being down from 38 days to 34. Burnout is also on the rise. One third of workers say that burnout has affected their mental well-being. Three in ten said that their mental health had worsened in the last 12 months. Those who work for large companies are more likely than others to be anxious or stressed (Westfield Health 2024). Three in ten people say their mental health is worse than it was a year ago, and people who work for large companies are more likely to be anxious and stressed. (Westfield Health 2024).
Cathy Lawson is a Mental Wellbeing Coach for Westfield Health. She says: “While we cannot directly link these shocking figures to a decrease in annual leave, we must stress that we all need some time off to maintain our health and wellbeing. Not only does it improve our mood, but it helps us maintain a satisfying career and a healthy balance between work and life. “There are many academic studies which show the positive effects holidays can have on stress at work, job satisfaction and overall wellbeing.”
What type of vacation we take can have a big impact
Short vacations are a great way to relieve stress, improve our sleep and recharge batteries. A slowcation is the perfect remedy for our hectic daily lives. It can help us return refreshed and productive.
Cathy asks, “Have your long, hard hours been accompanied by a little stress, and are you feeling it? It’s not surprising that stress and anxiety can lead to sleep debt. Sleep debt is a difference between what your body requires and how much sleep you get each night. This causes emotional and mental problems to become more evident.
A holiday doesn’t have to be a stressful or time-consuming experience. Slowcations are a great way to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.
What are the benefits of slowcations in the workplace
A study by Ernst and Young showed that every 10 additional hours of vacation that employees take, their performance at the end of the year improves by 8%. Employees who take more vacations are also more likely than others to remain with their organisation.
Vicky Walker shares that, contrary to popular belief and the general public’s perception, regular leave from work is beneficial for businesses. Here’s how:
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Improving workplace wellbeing
55% of employees in 2023 felt that their work had become more demanding and intense. A vacation can reduce your stress and help you refocus.
Employees’ motivation and mood are boosted when they feel that they have the right of a break. The workplace’s annual leave policy should encourage employees to maintain a balance between their personal and professional lives.
2. Presenteeism is reduced
Employees who perform below their maximum level despite being physically present at work are said to be presenteeism. It can be due to a variety of reasons such as illness, stress or personal issues. Some employees may be afraid of the negative consequences if they don’t show up, despite their lower productivity.
Work-life balance policies and employee wellbeing are essential to reduce presenteeism. Healthy work cultures that encourage vacations are beneficial to employees, and can reduce presenteeism because they allow people to take breaks when needed.
3. Reconnect with what Matters
Taking a break is a great way to improve your physical and mental health.
A simple change in scenery can help you reset and achieve that important work-life balance. Our employees tell us that they enjoy time off to sleep in, go out into nature, and reconnect with friends and family.
Slowcations are a great way to relax, but they should be integrated into a wellbeing strategy that is employee-driven. The most engaged and happier workers are those who have robust strategies, which include flexible working hours, mental health support and assistance programmes to help workers with their emotional and physical wellbeing.
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