Productivity & Morale: How Time Off is a Win-Win

A 2019 study by the U.S. Travel Association revealed that 768 million U.S. vacation days went unused in the year 2018. Time-off may seem like a luxury to some employees, but there’s more to a vacation than just the travel destination. Companies implementing healthy time-off policies and employees taking advantage of these has proven beneficial for employers and employees alike. Especially as COVID-19 has changed the employment landscape, many employers are beginning to see the benefits of adopting policies designed to alleviate work-related stress and burnout. This is a key element of a company’s employment branding strategy.

Employment branding refers to the qualities, practices, and culture that promote your company as a good place to work. Strong employment branding fosters a positive relationship between your company and its employees, potential hires, and the surrounding community. When it comes to attracting new hires, your company’s public image is critical. Employment branding factors such as benefits, time-off packages, and workplace culture contribute to a company’s employee retention and loyalty.

Making the Most of Your Time Off

The fall season means summer is winding down, companies are getting caught up, and it can be a busy time. It may seem difficult to use the season to get away, but taking measures to reduce burnout is important! Research shows that taking vacations or extended time-off from work boosts productivity and job satisfaction. Even a vacation of 4-5 days gives you the chance to detach from work, recharge your energy, and return to work refreshed. If you’re looking to take advantage of some unused vacation days, and you don’t know where to go, here are our fall travel recommendations for relaxing and recharging away from work:

1. Sedona, AZ: Named a top wellness destination by TripAdvisor, Sedona is the perfect spot to unwind this fall. Resorts, spas, and desert scenery have made Sedona a highly coveted location for those looking to getaway.

2. Yosemite National Park: Looking for a bit more adventure in your vacation? Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite is one of the country’s beautiful national parks with iconic sights including the giant sequoia trees and Tunnel View. The National Park Service recommends visiting from April to October.

3. Chicago, IL: For some travelers, the fast-paced city environment can be just as energizing and refreshing as our previous picks. Chicago offers visitors a trove of attractions including the world-renowned Art Institute, Millennium Park (and The Bean!), and family-friendly Navy Pier.

Job Satisfaction and Employee Well-Being

The correlation between job satisfaction and adequate time off is so evident, it may seem like a no-brainer. In fact, 70% of employees report higher job satisfaction when they take regular vacations. Well-rested and energized employees are more productive, creative, and eager to work than those experiencing high levels of stress or burnout. The key to reducing burnout isn’t just vacations, though.

Staring at a computer for forty hours of work will have adverse effects when it comes to employee productivity and happiness. Small breaks throughout the day reduce the monotony of staring at a screen all day. Likewise, leaving work at work when you’re done for the day can help reduce stress. Try adding an away message to your email so you are not bogged down with messages outside of business hours.

Individual employees with high levels of creativity and productivity contribute to the overall energy of the workplace. Cultivating a pleasant work environment is a key element of employment branding. Likewise, an office or workplace culture that encourages community, open communication, and mindful policies will make every employee feel like a valued member of the team.

As an employer, it is important to set clear internal communication policies and guidelines for topics including time-off. Employees should feel confident that goals will still be accomplished and deadlines will still be met in their absence. Likewise, employees should know what is expected of them before leaving, especially for an extended period of time.

Employee and Employer Benefits of Time-Off

Employee benefits include:

1. Improved physical and mental health: Valuable time away from work has been shown to reduce levels of anxiety and depression as well as illnesses including heart disease for employees in high-stress environments.

2. Opportunities for personal growth: More satisfied employees are more likely to remain loyal to the company they work for, meaning more opportunity for professional growth within the company.

3. Achieving a healthier work-life balance: Not everything is about work and professional development. Making time for meaningful experiences outside of work brings employees closer to their families, friends, and other important figures in their lives.

Employer benefits include:

1. Lower Employee Turnover: More satisfied employees are less likely to quit, reducing turnover rates and, in turn, reducing the cost associated with hiring and onboarding new employees.

2. Attracting Quality Talent: A strong workplace culture makes your company one that wants to work for. Offering quality benefits and implementing mindful policies will boost your employer brand and attract top talent in your industry.

3. Enhanced Morale and Community: Burnt-out employees will produce work that is subpar, lackluster, and often late. Employees that feel valued by their company will value the work they are doing, leading to higher productivity and quality.

As a full-service branding agency, 88 West knows how to build a thriving employer brand. We can boost your company’s morale and help you attract quality candidates by consolidating your internal communications strategy and setting the tone for your company’s workplace culture. Contact us today at hello@88westagency.com or (662) 322-8921 to find out how we can help you today!