The Crucial Role of Vacation Time in Enhancing Leadership

Leadership is demanding. From workload to decision-making responsibilities to constant interaction with diverse stakeholders, our daily schedules are packed. This can all take a toll on us, mentally and physically. That being said, vacation time is critical for mental health, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. Plants cannot thrive without proper nutrients. Similarly, we cannot thrive without proper “nutrients” like rest and time off.

The Benefits of Vacation Time

Taking vacations reduces stress and prevents burnout. However, it only works if you use it. According to a recent article in Forbes, “A 2018 study found U.S. workers had more than 765 million unused vacation days, and more than half of Americans (55%) were not using all their paid time-off. Even worse, 52% of employees report working while on PTO.

Instead, leaders should embrace vacation as a positive for managers, employees, and the business as a whole – with clear mental health benefits. Vacation is found to protect against burnout, reduce stress, and support cognitive health and social wellbeing. Studies carried out by the American Psychological Association found that a majority of working adults reported increased energy (66%), increased productivity (58%), improved work quality (55%), and reduced stress (57%) after vacation.”

Impact on Productivity and Performance

Vacation time is proven for enhanced decision-making and sustained job performance. Studies have shown improved cognitive function and decision-making after breaks. Furthermore, analysis shows how rested minds foster better problem-solving and creativity. There is also evidence from research linking well-rested managers to higher job performance. In summary, vacation time has a major positive effect on productivity and performance.

Strengthening Leadership and Team Dynamics

Vacations can also lead to improved empathy, patience, and communication skills, as well as reflection on personal growth opportunities during time off that enhance leadership capabilities.? Also from the same article in Forbes, “The business benefits abound. Time-off supports healthy company culture, builds morale, and strengthens teams. Setting time off and blocking out when you’re unavailable demonstrates a high level of trust in one’s team members. When leaders take time off, it can also be an empowering development opportunity for their team.”

Strategic Planning for Vacation Time

As a manager, you should be creating a culture that values time off by taking time off yourself and encouraging your team members to do the same. “Vacation benefits are critical policies to support the workforce, but these policies are only as effective as the leaders that role model them. People will only feel comfortable taking time off when the company culture values it and when they see their leaders embracing it.”

So, how do you detach from work during your vacation to achieve all these benefits? Here are five tips to set firm boundaries in a professional way, according to this article from Harvard Business Review:

1. Provide a plan.
2. Calendar your time off.
3. Send pre-notices for standard meetings.
4. Maximize your out-of-office notification.
5. Send a final reminder.

Conclusion

The data and research supports that vacation time is essential for mental and physical health, productivity, and wellbeing. By creating a culture that values time off and setting an example as a manager, you have an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives and wellbeing of your team members. In closing, taking vacation time is critical for you as a manager and for your employees, not just for higher performance at work, but also for your health. Make time today to schedule vacation time this summer and encourage your team members to do the same. We can’t afford not to!

Dave Herpy serves as Extension Organizational Development Coordinator at NC State University in Raleigh, NC, where he is responsible for developing and implementing professional and leadership development programs for a workforce of over 1,000 employees with NC Cooperative Extension Service, working in collaboration with their Extension leadership team.? He is also an NC State Wellness Champion and competitive triathlete.? He is passionate about helping individuals and organizations achieve their highest potential and considers himself a lifelong student of leadership.? His greatest adventure in life is being a father of four.? He has an A.A. from Lakeland Community College, a B.S. in Leisure Studies from Kent State University, and an M.S. in Recreation and Sport Science from Ohio University.