We're Closed: The Value of Letting Your Staff Rest
This blog will serve as my annual appeal to decision-makers across most industries.
‘Tis the season to shut down your offices and work from Dec 24th-Jan 1st. The past couple of years have been grueling, but to be honest the grind has always been hard. We, as humans, need time for collective rest. Let’s all commit to following the trend to give staff off for the final week of the year. Please do not count it as paid time off, let’s make it understood that this is the week of reset that everyone deserves.
The trend is growing, and I believe it serves as an appealing part of the total rewards package you provide to staff.
It’s not just major companies, but many small businesses, nonprofits, and higher education employers. I spend a lot of time reviewing personnel policies and job descriptions, and I have to tell you, it’s becoming more common than not. It’s also a consideration when deciding when to apply or accept a new job. Of course, this doesn’t work for every position in every industry, but I encourage you to really question how essential it is for the work to continue during this week when so much of our country has shut down. How focused are people really going to be?
Productivity seems to be down with or without the time off, so you might as well boost morale and allow people to really take the time off. If you haven’t, take the plunge, join the rest of us who will be taking deep breaths, visiting family and friends, and doing the things that recharge us as we close out 2021 and prepare for 2022!