In the hustle and bustle of today’s workplace, particularly within the realms of social services, education, and healthcare, rest often becomes an afterthought. However, as professionals dedicated to improving the lives of others, it’s essential to recognize that sacred rest is not just a luxury but a necessity. This July, as we explore the theme of “Rest Well” in our Presidential Briefing, let’s delve into the profound impact of rest on our professional lives and personal well-being.
The Reality of Overwork
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 50% of Americans don’t take vacations. Many claim they are too busy, have other obligations such as part-time jobs or family care, or fear their workload will overwhelm their colleagues. This trend is particularly prevalent among frontline workers—counselors, social workers, teachers, guardians ad litem, and behavioral health specialists—who are often stretched thin by the demands of their roles.
So, what about you? When was the last time you took a vacation? Have you ever forfeited paid time off? If your answer is yes, consider this: by not taking your time off, you’re not working more; you’re volunteering your time. And while volunteering is commendable, overworking yourself to the point of burnout is not an effective way to contribute.
The Power of Vacation
Research from Harvard University, in collaboration with the U.S. Travel Association and Project: Time Off, reveals a striking correlation between vacation days and professional success. They studied over 5,600 adult Americans working more than 35 hours a week with paid time off and found that:
People who took fewer than 10 vacation days per year had a 34.6% likelihood of receiving a raise or bonus over three years.
Those who took more than 10 vacation days had a 65.4% chance of receiving a raise or bonus.
In essence, taking 11 or more vacation days makes you more than 30% more likely to receive a raise. This data underscores a critical point: the more vacation days you take, the more likely you are to advance in your career. This finding should prompt you to start planning your next break immediately.
The Role of Rest in Workplace Wellness
Beyond vacations, daily breaks are equally important. How often do you take your lunch and other breaks? Daily, weekly, monthly, or rarely? The truth is, not taking breaks doesn’t make you more productive or successful. On the contrary, it diminishes your effectiveness and well-being.
Prioritizing rest and recognizing its role in workplace wellness can lead to improved employee well-being, better conflict resolution skills, and more effective crisis management responses. Incorporating breaks and vacations into your professional life doesn’t mean you’re shirking responsibilities. Instead, it’s about recognizing that you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Here are a few practical steps to embrace rest:
Schedule Breaks: Ensure you take regular breaks throughout your workday. Even short breaks can refresh your mind and improve your productivity.
Plan Vacations: Don’t just accrue vacation days; use them. Plan your vacations in advance to ensure you have something to look forward to and can prepare your team for your absence.
Promote a Rest-Friendly Culture: As leaders, encourage your team to take their breaks and vacations. Lead by example and create a culture where rest is valued and respected.
Integrate Rest into Professional Development: Include the concept of rest in your human services training and leadership development programs. Emphasize the importance of rest in maintaining mental health awareness and workplace wellness.
Reflect and Adjust: Regularly reflect on your work-life balance and adjust as needed. If you’re consistently feeling overwhelmed, it may be time to reassess your workload and find ways to integrate more rest into your routine.
In the helping professions, where the demands are high, and the stakes are even higher, sacred rest is the foundation upon which we build our capacity to serve others effectively. So, as you plan your next break or vacation, remember that you’re not just taking time off; you’re investing in your future success and well-being.
Here’s to resting well and thriving in all that we do.
Master Trainer, International Speaker and author of the book “Invincible Social Worker”, Anthony President has empowered and inspired more than 100,000 professionals to perform, produce and partner better at their places of work. Thousands of companies and organizations have been transformed as a result of Anthony’s work.
As Founder and CEO of Presidential Consultants, LLC, Anthony leads a team of more than two dozen experienced learning development and coaching professionals who together serve more than 16,000 helping professionals each year in the areas of leadership, inclusion, and workplace wellness. As a thought leader in the field, Anthony continues to research, innovate, and drive positive change in the realm of professional development and organizational transformation.
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