American workers don't get enough vacation, and even when they do get it, they often don't take it.
What's wrong with us? Some would suggest that for a variety of reasons, we just don't know how to relax the way our counterparts in Europe do. But there are also simple financial obstacles that discourage many of us from getting to the beach.
That's why more employers should offer employee purchasing programs that offer them the chance at discounted vacations, argues Purchasing Power, a company that offers such voluntary benefits.
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In a survey that the company says supports its contention, 26 percent of full-time workers reported not having taken a vacation over the past year. Of those who did not venture outside of their area, two-thirds cited cost as the main reason.
Unsurprisingly, those who make less money are most likely to say they can't afford vacations.
"Employers can encourage their employees to take a vacation getaway by offering an employee purchase program that includes travel options as a voluntary benefit," explained Elizabeth Halkos, Purchasing Power's chief revenue officer. "Giving employees the opportunity to payroll deduct budget-friendly payments provides an affordable way for employees to take an out of town vacation and offers an alternative to high-interest credit cards."
Halkos highlights discounts on cruises, all-inclusive resorts and the like as examples of a benefit that workers will appreciate.
Paid time off has emerged as a major recruiting tool for employers. Netflix made headlines last year by unveiling an unlimited vacation benefit for employees, and many other new economy firms are marketing generous vacation as well as generous parental leave policies in an effort to show that they are sensitive to work/life balances.
Moreover, companies increasingly view vacation as necessary to maintaining a productive, engaged workforce. Some firms even pay workers to take time off, reasoning that the rest the employees will gain from the break will reduce burnout and yield increased productivity in the long-term.
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