Sera, a travel content creator, emphasizes the importance of taking vacations for women in the workforce. According to her, taking vacations more than twice a year can help alleviate depression and chronic stress, which are common issues in the workplace. A 2005 study from the Wisconsin Medical Society found that women who only vacation once every two years were more likely to experience depression and tension compared to those who vacationed twice or more every year.
Moreover, a study from Massachusetts found that women who took vacations less than once every six years were eight times more likely to have heart problems. This suggests that chronic stress and lack of relaxation can have detrimental effects on one’s physical health as well.
Taking vacations is not only beneficial for employees’ health, but it also creates a more productive workplace. The Harvard Business Review referenced data that showed for every extra 10 hours of vacation time an employee takes, their year-end performance improves by 8 percent. Additionally, workers who take vacations are less likely to leave their jobs, improving retention rates.
In essence, establishing a culture that expects employees to work at top capacity all the time can be detrimental to both individuals and corporations. It’s important to prioritize mental and physical health by taking vacations regularly. This research highlights how workplace trends can have negative impacts on employees’ professional and mental health. Therefore, taking time off from work is not just a luxury, but a necessity for overall well-being.