We spend a good deal of time on this blog talking about burnout. That’s because it’s nearly universal: A study by Deloitte found that out of 1,000 respondents, 77% said they had experienced burnout at their current position. Unchecked, burnout can cripple your productivity and sink your employees’ morale.
There are several strategies to reduce the chance of burnout taking its toll on your team. One of the simplest is getting employees to use the Paid Time Off (PTO) they may have been hoarding. Research by the Pew Research Center shows that 46% of American workers don’t take all their allotted PTO. Some don’t think they need a vacation; others are too scared they’ll fall behind. Here are a few suggestions for encouraging employees to take the time they’ve earned.
Why Time Off is Important
Let Employees Know How PTO Can Help Them – And the Company
As the Pew research indicates, many employees don’t see the problem with working for months (or even years) without a vacation. Counter this with the evidence that avoiding PTO increases burnout and kills productivity. Remind them that time away from the job will help their relationships at home and work. And let them know companies whose employees take PTO regularly are more productive and profitable.
Send Employees Monthly Updates on the PTO They’ve Accrued
Ask the average employee how much vacation time they have left, and you may be greeted with a bewildered expression. Unfortunately, many companies have attendance systems that make it difficult for employees to access their PTO bank. Work with your HR department to figure out how to inform employees at the start of each month how much time they have available. If employees get an email showing they have many days to take, they’re more likely to take them.
Lead by Example
One of the most effective ways of promoting taking time off is doing it yourself. Employees who are hesitant to take vacation are more likely to do so if they see you modeling work-life balance. Also, try to avoid sending work emails after business hours or on weekends so your employees can truly unplug while they’re away.
Prioritize Your Employees for the Best Outcomes
Check out our management tips blog posts for more ideas on keeping your employees engaged and productive. And for an infusion of talent, put Mega Force to work for you. We’re Southern Pines’ staffing expert and want to help you. Contact us today.
