In a society that glorifies the hustle and praises long hours as a sign of dedication, it’s no wonder that many employees hesitate to use their well-deserved vacation days. Fear of falling behind, job insecurity, or a perceived need to always be accessible can lead to an unhealthy work-life balance. However, this culture of overworking is detrimental not only to individuals but also to organizations in the long term, as employee burnout and disengagement take their toll.
Ironically, the secret to getting ahead at work might actually be taking time off.
Researchers in the fields of innovation and creativity have a clear message: “If you want to be more successful at work, the best thing you can do is step away from it” (SOURCE).
The Harvard Business Review actually found that those who use more of their vacation rates are promoted almost twice as much as their colleagues who leave significant vacation days on the table (SOURCE).
Contrary to popular belief, utilizing vacation days can also boost your productivity. Regular breaks and periods of rest prevent burnout and help maintain a sustained level of high performance. Studies show that employees who take vacations are more likely to be engaged, efficient, and productive when they return to work.
Psychologists call this downtime an “incubation period” when you are consciously ignoring a problem and your subconscious mind delivers a fresh insight or solution. Of course, the new sights and sounds of a different setting and experiences adds further thoughts that can coalesce into new ideas.
At COR3, we offer a robust vacation policy because we recognize the profound benefits of utilizing vacation days. Already this year, our team members have traveled to Egypt, Spain, Italy, and domestically to places like Boston, New York, Texas, Utah, and more to come.
And when they return? They are more resilient, creative, and productive.
Want to join a team like ours? Great news, we are always hiring.