Johannesburg - Studies show that 53 percent of South Africans don’t take their annual leave. South Africa may be a hard-working nation, but not taking a break has a downside.
Not all employees jump at the chance to take their annual leave for various reasons, including fear of falling behind at work or disappointing their manager.
However, employees who take adequate time to rest make for a healthy business, and taking leave should be encouraged.
By taking a break, employees get a chance to re-energise mind and body.
Studies confirm that after a holiday, employees are less stressed and can manage work responsibilities more efficiently.
Accumulative workplace stress can lead to headaches, anxiety, high blood pressure and depression - all reducing work performance and productivity.
A rested mind and body boosts productivity and creativity and allows employees to approach tasks with perspective and a fresh mindset.
Bosses can recognise hard work and targets met by offering incentives that extend annual leave (bonus leave days).
Giving an extra annual leave day on an employee’s birthday or offering a half day for overtime worked highlights the importance of taking time off to recharge.
The importance of restoration is rooted in our physiology. Human beings aren’t designed to expend energy continuously - we’re meant to pulse between spending and recovering energy.
Encouraging employees to take annual leave is also linked toindividual and organisational wellbeing. A healthy and happy employee is less likely to be absent often.
Stipulate a date by which employees should use their leave, reminding them to book for busy periods like school or summer holidays.
Consider closing during a major holiday period, if possible, and encourage all employees to take leave.
Research shows recharging promotes a positive outlook towards new projects and challenges. Moreover, this positivity is often infectious and can be felt throughout the business.
Instil a holiday-friendly atmosphere by responding positively when an employee applies for leave.
They’re less likely to apply for leave if they feel it’s frowned upon or discouraged.
Creating an environment that encourages taking accumulated holiday leave offers the opportunity to improve the mood and productivity of employees.
It can also help better manage your workforce. Managers can avoid last-minute holiday requests by making it easy to apply for annual leave and responding to requests in a positive way.
A happy team are more engaged and likely to view their jobs as meaningful work to be pursued for the long term.
As much as business owners want to grow a workforce of superhuman employees, humans need to rest. For real growth, give employees the leave they deserve.
* Information supplied by Nashua. For more information, visit www.nashua.co.za .
THE STAR