Survey after survey suggests that workers are suffering from anxiety, stress, and other mental health issues. Some of this is attributed to overwork and the inability to take time off. Consider these stories:
- In one study, nearly half of U.S. workers said they’re not taking vacations and cite expense and workload as key factors. One of the study authors stressed that “employees really need time to disconnect from work, especially as we continue to see high burnout levels.”
- Paid leave can reduce mortality rates, concluded one study. The authors suggested that mortality, particularly from suicide, homicide, and alcohol-related issues, could be reduced by more than 5% in large metropolitan areas if a 40-hour annual paid sick leave mandate was adopted.
- Instituting a companywide ‘week of rest’ requires advance planning but could boost morale and reduce stress and burnout.
- According to one report, frontline workers often feel like they can’t participate in or don’t have access to generous leave policies.
- One survey has found that employees who work on vacation are more likely to quit.
- Older workers are more likely to say they can’t unplug during time off, according to one survey. However, workers in all age groups commonly feel like they can’t fully disconnect from work when they’re off the clock.
