The Tribune

Amid the hustle and bustle of the workplace, employees often overlook and underestimate the importance of vacation. Statistics show that, annually, the average employee leaves many vacation days and weeks unused. There are even those who pride themselves on not taking vacations. Though dedication to your profession is wonderful and commendable, we as humans require rest, and there are ample benefits to taking a vacation.

Primarily, vacations make you more productive. They often serve as stress relievers, eradicating stress which was previously unhealthy and hindering progression.

The office is thus no place of inspiration. Vacations, on the contrary, increase creativity and create inspiration. Monotony in the workplace can often result in inefficiency, boredom, discouragement and complacency.

Vacations are sometimes needed to get a person out of their comfort zone and into the world outside the office. Changes in pace and environment allow opportunities for exploration and discovery. There are also many networking opportunities that vacations offer, which allow persons to broaden their social horizon, plus further develop the relationships that have already been established.

Time spent with loved ones during vacations transcends the typical after-work discussions, and researchers prove that time spent together on vacation builds personal bonds and increases family connections

Furthermore, vacations are useful for emotional stability. The stress and frustration that can be acquired through long hours in the office can have negative effects on a person physically, mentally and socially. Vacations help to ensure good health, and prevent persons from burning out due to work overload.

In addition, they minimise the potential of emotional outbursts, mental melt-downs or performing poorly on the job due to severe stress and frustration. Taking a vacation can shift irritable, stress and anxiety-ridden moods to ones that are more calm and relaxed.

It is therefore little wonder that researchers say persons often return from vacation with their confidence improved. Persons return to work with a new sense of self, vigorously approaching tasks and projects, as opposed to seeking easy solutions due to a lack of rest. Giving yourself a rest puts your body in a better position to fight infections and sickness.

Moreover, relaxation is needed to achieve maximum productivity at work. We often just need that inspiration; that break for our brain; that change in pace and surroundings, and the mental relaxation. Keep yourself happy, keep your life happy, and keep vacationing.

• NB: Ian R. Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@coralwave.com.