Vanquishing VD: Are You Experiencing Vacation Deprivation?

Are You Vacation Deprived? Do You Take All Of Your Vacation Days?

Surveys show that almost one quarter of employed Canadians report not taking all of their vacation days.  Even though more than half of us would say that we are vacation deprived.

With the stress associated with the current economy and the impact on the workplace, it is even more important to invest in your health by changing pace and getting away from it all.

“Unsurprisingly, a significant obstacle preventing travellers from booking well-earned vacations is the financial barrier. For many, having to weigh their next trip against worry over a possible recession, workplace labour shortages, travel disruptions and overwhelm from planning means that millions of vacation days are left on the table annually, contributing to the global vacation deprivation spike.” Expedia’s 23rd annual Vacation Deprivation Report 

21% of global respondents cited financial reasons as the biggest factor preventing them from using all of their vacation
 time. The other most-common barriers included restrictive work schedules and
workplace staffing issues (16% ) along with busy personal lives that made it difficult to get away (15%). On a positive note, the Report stated that the majority (70%) of respondents globally did feel that their employer was supportive of them taking time off.

Employees who don’t take their allotted time may experience more stress related symptoms. They may have more mood swings, frustration, irritability, pessimism, feelings of being rushed, or pushed. They may be more fatigues, experience more headaches, sleep difficulties and gastrointestinal disorders. Overworked and vacation deprived employees tend not to communicate as effectively, problem solve as efficiently and are not as creative or energized as those who do take their allotted vacation time.

Many of us are working under the false belief that more in always equals more out. Unfortunately our bodies and minds can only work at peak efficiency for so long before they start to break-down and shut-down. Beverly Beuermann-King Click to tweet

Tackling Vacation Deprivation

Canadians are saying that it is even more important to get away this year. In fact three-quarters of Canadians do plan on taking a vacation sometime this year. However, if you do get away you shouldn’t feel guilty nor should you be staying connected to work while you are away. This year’s Vacation Deprivation Report found that a third of Canadians felt guilty for taking time off and more than one quarter continue to check email while away.

Promoting Vacations Can Be In A Company’s Best Interest:

More than two thirds (67%) of vacation deprived workers globally would be motivated to change jobs for the chance of having more time off. A worthy consideration for employers as time off has proven benefits for both the employee and employer, such as a more positive attitude and outlook (84%) and feeling
more motivated (81%).

Beverly’s Tips For Promoting Vacation Deprivation Week:

• Plan ahead and don’t wait for the perfect time to take your vacation, as the year may pass and the perfect time didn’t arrive. It is a commitment to yourself that shouldn’t be so far down on the priority list that it never arrives
• Vacations don’t have to be expensive and shouldn’t break the bank. Make use of the on-line tools to book attractions, flights and hotels. Use them to track and compare prices.
• Make use of longer vacations for re-energizing and rejuvenating, but also look at tacking on extra days to business travel, long weekends and family functions. These extra days can help to change the pace of our busy lifestyles
• Plan the right vacation. If you are looking for relaxation don’t pack your schedule sightseeing. If you are looking for connection time book activities that the whole family will respond well to.
• Finally, don’t let guilt over-ride this me-time. If you do go on vacation, enjoy yourself fully and completely. In this way, when it is time to get back to work you will be refreshed and ready to go.

Contact Beverly about hosting a mental health workshop for your teams on work life balance. Discover tips to deal with stress and how to build resilience!

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If you have some strategies to share – comment on this posting!

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Additional Resources:

Vacation Deprivation Infographic

Corporate Wellness Benefits – Vacation Benefits

Vacation Deprivation – Sacrificing Relaxation

Vacation Deprivation Week

Redefining Employee Benefits