How taking a holiday can rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul, enhancing productivity.
August is traditionally the holiday month for UK residents, so we thought it would be worth looking at the benefits of taking holiday and the reasons why you should ensure that your employees do so too. We should all know that the minimum holiday entitlement that an employer must provide to a full-time worker is 28 days a year (or 5.6 weeks) but knowing that and ensuring that employees do are too often overlooked.
See our previous blog: Is it time for a holiday yet? – New Dawn Resources
According to Annual Leave Report: State of annual leave in the UK by industry (peoplehr.com) the annual leave that people are taking is dropping. In today’s fast-paced world, taking a holiday is more than a luxury, it’s essential for our physical and mental well-being.
Here are a few reminders of the importance of taking a holiday.
- Boosts Physical Health. Taking regular breaks from work can significantly improve your physical health. A holiday provides an opportunity to relax and reduce stress, which can lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart disease.
- Enhances Mental Well-being. Mental health is as important as physical health, and holidays are a great way to rejuvenate your mind. Stepping away from the daily routine allows you to reduce anxiety and combat burnout.
- Improves Relationships. Spending quality time with family and friends during holidays strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories.
- Boosts Creativity and Productivity. A change of scenery and a break from routine can stimulate creativity and lead to new ideas. Many people find that they return from holiday with a fresh perspective and renewed energy, which can enhance their work performance and personal projects.
- Encourages Work-Life Balance. A well-planned holiday policy is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. It shows employees that their well-being is valued, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and retainment of talent.
There is some evidence that people also avoid holidays as they do not like the so called ‘holiday blues’. Coming back to work after a fantastic holiday can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can ease the transition and maintain a positive mindset that the time away has delivered.
Here are some tips to help get back into the groove:
- Ease Into Your Routine. Give yourself a gentle re-entry by not overloading your first few days back. Prioritise tasks, take regular breaks, and avoid scheduling too many meetings.
- Organise Workspace. A tidy and organised workspace can help you feel more in control and ready to tackle your tasks. Take a few minutes to declutter your desk and organise your to-do list. Do this before you go on holiday and creating a to do list before as well often helps so you know what your key tasks you face are on your return.
A tip for organisations to consider is to allow employees to have an ‘off grid’ day on their return from longer holidays to catch up on emails and any changes or organisational news. It makes for a smoother return to work and also means that people surprisingly are happy to come back to work and be productive.