The holiday season is traditionally a time when professionals take some time off. However, COVID-19 altered the landscape. Shelter-in-place orders may mean that traveling is off the table. In some cases, and social distancing recommendations even make visiting family members a no-go.
Plus, for employees working from home, taking a vacation may feel inappropriate, regardless of how hard they’ve been working or how long it’s been since they’ve had a break. As a result, many pros are wondering whether they should take time off at all.
The thing is, using your vacation time is still a smart move, even if it turns into a staycation instead of traveling. If you are wondering why now is the right time for some time off, here’s what you need to know.
Taking a Break is Healthy
On occasion, everyone needs to step away from the stresses of work. When you take a vacation, you get a chance to recharge and relax, both of which support better mental health.
Plus, many professionals who work from home struggle with disconnecting from work. With their office being nearby at all times, unplugging completely doesn’t always happen. But when you take time off, you have to disconnect, and that can be refreshing.
A vacation is an official declaration that you’re unavailable. It makes it easier to permit yourself to completely step away, even if you don’t leave your home. That chance to relax is critical to your well-being, especially during times as challenging as these.
Your Productivity Will Rise
Without a break, stress levels tend to soar. At times, you may even start battling against burnout, a mental state that can cause your productivity to tumble.
However, when you take time off, you usually return to the workplace with renewed vigor. Since your stress levels are down, it may be easier to focus and face challenges. This can actually cause the quality of your work to go up, and you may even be faster when you handle your tasks.
Essentially, your vacation is a way to set yourself up for success. You’re more likely to be at your best when you get back, and that can have a significant positive impact on your performance.
Your Vacation Time Might Vanish
If your company resets employee vacation hours at the start of the new year, any time you don’t use this year vanishes. That means you’re missing out on a benefit you’ve earned by not taking time off, which is a bit of a pity.
You worked hard to accrue your paid time off, so you should use it. Make plans to spend your hours before they expire or reset. That way, you’re getting the most out of your benefits.
In the end, now is a great time to schedule some time off. Review your company policies and make sure to submit your leave requests soon. That way, you can take advantage of the hours you’ve earned and get a break in before the end of the year.
If you’d like to learn more about maximizing your benefits before the start of 2021, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today.
