Operation: Vacation

Time Remaining to Use Your Vacations Days in 2017Countdown

​There is good news happening in the American work culture!  For fifteen years, America vacation habits saw a decline despite nearly all (96%) workers believing vacation time is important to them for an effective work/life balance.  A survey completed by Project: Time Off in 2016, however, shows workplace attitudes toward vacation is turning and the trend is going in a positive direction. 

​​In 2016, average vacation use climbed to 16.8 per worker compared to 16.2 days in previous years.  This increase is the most upward movement seen since vacation usage stated to decline in 2000.  The benefits are starting to show with an increase in well-being as well as in business performance.


​The clear majority of managers agree that vacation improves health and well-being (82%), boosts morale (82%) and alleviates burnout (81%).  Managers also believe in the benefits vacation usage has towards a company as a whole.  78% of managers say that vacation improves employees' focus upon return; 70% agree it renews employees’ commitment to their job; and 64% feel it makes employees more willing to put in long hours when they are needed.

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​The most effective remedy for American workers who want to use more vacations days is better planning.  A majority (52%) of workers who say they plan out their vacation days during the year take all their time off, compared to just 40% of non-planners.  They also tend to take longer vacations.

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​Planners also feel more supported at work when they take time off.  Nearly half (48%) of planners say their bosses support them when they take vacations, compared to 37% of non-planners.  Planners are also more likely to say their company culture encourages taking time off (39% vs. 27%).

Another factor that will help to change the workplace landscape is a redefinition of success.  Despite the virtues of vacation, there are still the beliefs held strongly by work martyrs.  These are employees who find it difficult or do not take time off because they feel no one else can do their job. However, work martyrdom does not help advance careers but may actually hurt careers.  Work martyrs are less likely (79% to 84%) to report receiving a raise or bonus but do earn more stress at work (73% to 68%) than non-work martyrs.

Avoid becoming a work martyr and become a smarter worker.
Contact Brentwood Travel to speak with an experienced travel consultant and make the most of your vacation days.