Shutting up Shop for the Holidays

Have you ever worked with somebody who didn’t take their allocated annual leave days? When I started work in 2003, I couldn’t believe that anyone would do this. Don’t our employers get enough of our precious time?  But fast forward to 2018, at Clean Cut Media, and I’m eating my words! My to-do list is never ending, the background noise of online business networks and social media channels never stops. But I’m delighted to say that over the course of my career, I have come to appreciate the benefits of taking a break:

1.You will become more productive

Take time to recharge your batteries by taking your mind off work for several days. You will notice a marked difference in your productivity levels upon your return.

2. You will be healthier in body

Skipping holidays is seriously bad for your health. The Family Holiday Association rates holidays highly: “If your mind is emotionally exhausted, you probably won’t be functioning at your best. Just like when you do work you need to take breaks regularly in order to remain productive, you also need prolonged breaks where you can properly rest”.

3. Everyone else is on holiday

Aren’t your customers, your suppliers, your stakeholders out of their offices? Why not take advantage of this unique situation, it only happens once a year!

4. It’s a perk of the job

Not every employee gets more than the bare minimum time off-so appreciate the perks of your job. After all, wasn’t that part of the reason you took the job?

5. You are being efficient

By taking your holidays (in full) you are validating your professional self. By letting people know that you too are taking this time to rest and celebrate the holidays and focus on yourself rather than on your job. Not only are your getting a week off that you probably need, you will be setting a valuable example for everyone who works with you.