Why employers should give their employees more time off during the holidays

Many companies, including LinkedIn, Netflix, and Goldman Sachs, offer their employees Unlimited Paid Time Off during the holiday season. This means that employees don't have to submit a request for time off, but instead, the company automatically grants several days off around the holidays. Moreover, these companies also make it mandatory for their staff to take a certain amount of time off each year.

This approach encourages and allows every employee to relax, recharge, and prepare for the upcoming year. Additionally, this methodology promotes team morale and mutual respect between employer and employee. No employee at these companies will ever have to worry about not having enough time to spend on personal events, family time, and overall well-being. So, why aren't all companies offering these kinds of benefits?

As we enter the New Year, businesses should reconsider their benefits plan for their teams to ensure overall employee retention. Read on for reasons why employers should consider adding holiday time to their benefits packages.

Why Employers Should Offer Holiday Time

According to SHRM's "Vacation's Impact on the Workplace" report, employees who take most or all of their vacation time each year tend to perform better, be more productive, and be more satisfied with their jobs than those who do not. Having high-performing teams is a goal of every business, which is why offering time off and holiday time should be a top priority for every employer.

Morale and respect are built.

When employers provide paid holidays to their employees, it is a sign of respect towards them. Granting them time off during the holiday season enables them to take a break without disrupting cash flow. It also demonstrates that you, as an employer, care about the success of your team. By offering holiday time, employees feel more motivated and return from the break with renewed energy to tackle new projects and workloads.

The mental health of staff improves.

When employees take regular breaks, it boosts productivity. An always-on brain is more prone to making errors and fizzling out over time. Taking some time off can help stressed-out team members rejuvenate and return to work with fresh minds.

Employer's reputation becomes positive.

The topic of paid time off has gained popularity, with more individuals advocating for it. By providing holiday PTO, your organization can showcase to both staff and customers that you are attentive and responsive to their needs. This can give you an edge over other companies with less favorable working conditions, as customers may prefer to choose your company. Furthermore, offering PTO can help establish trust with your employees.

Conclusion

It's important to give your team the time off they deserve, as this can lead to increased respect, morale, and productivity. If you're facing a high turnover rate or currently don't offer enough time off to your employees, you might want to consider making changes heading into the New Year.