Whether working on-site or remotely, employees work hard and are more productive when they step away from work for an extended period of time once in a while. Time away gives employees a fresh start when they return after some needed rest. As a manager, it’s up to you to encourage employees to take time off. Let’s discuss how you can make that happen.
Don’t Encourage Rollover
Many companies offer rollover vacation time, meaning if you don’t use it, you won’t lose it. Rollover discourages employees from taking time off because they feel the pressure to save their vacation days just in case. After all, it’s doubling the following year’s PTO when it rolls over.
If your company offers rollover vacation time, encourage employees to see it as a safety net but to not stockpile their vacation days to the point that they don’t take any time off throughout the entire year.
Encourage Needed Days Off
Maybe you’ve heard that an employee is moving over the weekend or their parents are in town visiting. Reach out and suggest they take Monday or Friday off to extend that weekend. Sometimes, an employee may feel guilty, thinking they shouldn’t use time off for little things. Remind them the time is there to use, and guilt should not be a factor. Hearing from their manager that they should take the time off means a lot to an employee and creates loyalty.
Point Out the Benefits
Hold meetings to encourage employees to take time off. Use the time to point out the health benefits, stress reduction, and proven productivity at work after taking a vacation. Remote employees need this encouragement also. Working remotely, employees may feel alone or unimportant. Inspire remote employees to work hard by reminding them that although they’re home, they need time off also.
Set the Example
Don’t be a hypocrite by telling employees to take time off without taking any time for yourself. Ease employee vacation guilt by using all of your vacation time each year and speaking positively about it. Be careful not to come back from vacation by discussing how behind you are at work. That will discourage employees from taking time off themselves.
As we mentioned, vacation time is beneficial for our health, our employer, and those we work with. Productivity increases when employees feel cared for. Discourage burnout and encourage time-outs instead.
