Benefits of leave on employee wellbeing.

In today's fast-paced and demanding professional landscape, acknowledging the significance of incorporating breaks into our routines is pivotal for nurturing the holistic wellbeing of employees. The relentless pace of the modern workplace, characterised by tight deadlines, constant connectivity, and high expectations, underscores the necessity of intentional pauses to safeguard and enhance employee wellbeing.

The importance of detaching on employee wellbeing.

"Having breaks from work where we detach and switch off physically, emotionally, and mentally is very important for our own wellbeing and also our job and career," emphasises Libby Sander, assistant professor of organisational behaviour at Bond University. Taking time off allows individuals to fully recoup, reenergise, and ensure optimal performance upon returning to work.

Wellbeing Statistics

According to a Gallup study, individuals who "always make time for regular holidays" scored 68.4 on the Gallup-Heathway's Wellbeing Index, compared to a 51.4 score for less frequent travellers. Physical complaints, sleep quality, and mood significantly improved three days after a holiday, with lasting gains observed five weeks later, especially for those who had more personal time and overall satisfaction during their break.

Mental Health Benefits

A study in the Wisconsin Medical Journal found that women taking holidays twice or more each year are less likely to experience depression, tension, or fatigue. The frequency of vacations showed a close link to lower symptoms of depression and anxiety. The same study reported that women taking regular holidays reported happier relationships, emphasising the positive impact on personal lives.

Affordable Wellbeing

Worried about holiday expenses? Fear not! The key is to "switch off" rather than embark on an extravagant trip. Whether pitching a tent or exploring local attractions for a few days, the focus should be on disconnecting from work, minimising screen time, and enjoying nature and quality time with family and friends. Striking a balance between rest and novel activities is crucial for reaping the benefits.

Organisational Impact on Employee Wellbeing

Many organisations encourage their workforce to take leave annually, understanding the significant positive impact on morale and productivity. On an organisational level, leave promotes happier employees, leading to happier teams, reduced absenteeism, increased employee retention, and heightened productivity levels. Noteworthy examples include companies like Netflix and Virgin, which have introduced unlimited paid leave, creating a win-win scenario for both employers and employees.

"In order to perform optimally and sustain that level of performance, time away from work is vital for employee wellbeing. Humans are not designed to withstand constant stress and pressure without time to decompress, destress, and recoup."

The benefits of taking leave extend beyond personal wellbeing to encompass organisational success. Embracing breaks not only enhances individual mental health but also creates a positive ripple effect on team dynamics and overall workplace productivity. It's time to recognise the value of leave as an investment in both personal and professional flourishing.

Learn more about wellbeing strategies through our Drake WellbeingHub team at https://drakewellbeinghub.com.au/