It has been a few long months in the office. You get sick of the repetitive cycle you are stuck in everyday. You are tired of heading to work and coming back home at night exhausted. The routine is getting to you. Is there a way around this? Yes, this is the exact reason why annual leave exists at your workplace!
Every one of us needs to take breaks from time to time. Else, you start to lose motivation and the whole lifestyle can be unhealthy for you, both physically and mentally.
For starters, annual leaves are basically a time for employees to take days off work and do whatever they want to, while still getting paid. Planning and using your annual leaves properly ensure that you are properly motivated. It also reduces the chances of experiencing a burnout at your workplace.
In this article, you will find 3 reasons why you should make the most of your annual leave days!
A word of caution before we delve into the article: the following mentioned tips and tricks are information that has been generally observed across numerous work sectors. There may be instances in which specific advice may not match or suit what is expected for a specific firm, industry or job role.
As such, this written piece aims to function as a guide and should not be read as a comprehensive or exhaustive list of advice when it comes to achieving success at the workplace. The best way to find out what may work for your success would be by conducting ample research.
Browsing through this article could function as the first step you take into exploring different ways to succeed at work.
Without further ado, let’s get right into the article!
1) It increases productivity & encourages positive performance
Productivity is vital at any workplace. The worst thing you can do to affect your productivity is to work way too much till you are completely burnt out. Employees fear that their employers will think that they cannot cope with the workload given to them. This also makes them think that they are expendable and can be replaced by new talent at any point of time.
What you need to realise is that taking some time off work for a vacation or just to pursue your hobbies actually go a long way in re-energising you. That time away will freshen you up and ensure that you head back to the workplace with increased motivation and vigour. Making you all the more motivated to tackle work head on.
Studies have in fact shown that taking time off with your annual leave results in a higher morale and increased productivity amongst employees. Using your annual leave is a legal entitlement too. Make sure you’re aware of this fact in case someone tries to explain to you otherwise.
Thus, this is a reason why you should make the most of your annual leave days- to continue performing positively at work and increase your productivity.
2) It's a smart career choice.
Technically speaking, your annual days are discussed in your employment contract. You are permitted to take days from your annual leave anytime you feel like need it. Especially so, if you are heading in the direction of a burnout.
People often fear their employers’ views on them will be affected if they use their annual leave. In such cases, perhaps it’s time to consider if the working environment is suitable for you at all. Every workplace should respect an individual’s boundaries. It should allow them the space to tap out when one needs a break.
And remember that at the end of the day, you are bringing back home the same pay whether you decide to use up your annual leave days or not. Understand that these benefits are actually put in place for a reason.
Contrary to popular beliefs, using days of your annual leave has not shown to impact you negatively at work. Worried that taking leave could impact your chances for a promotion? Look at it this way.
Promotions are offered based on one’s performance on deliverables. And so, taking time off for a break can actually increase the chances of you achieving that promotion! Use your annual leave to spend some time with your loved ones or to take a short break from work. After all, it can give your mind a healthier form of balance too!
In fact, in your absence, your employers might realise the effort that you put into your work and how essential you are to the company! Taking time to unwind and refresh can also help you boost creativity and encourage positive mental and physical health habits.
3) It helps to strengthen your relationship & bonds.
At the end of the day, most of us are working to support our families. Some of us work to be happy in life but that often comes with spending time with those you love to be around. Take a step back and look at what matters most for you in your life. What are you working so hard for?
Taking time off through your annual leave ensures that you have ample time to reconnect with what matters the most to you in your life. You can be taking time off to travel abroad or even just stay at home and spend time with your loved ones.
Simply put, this would be a great opportunity for you to prioritise your personal relationships. You can organise a trip with your partner, your parents or your friends whom you want to spend time with.
Yes, you can make time for them everyday after your working hours. But is that really the same as when you take time off and are not bothered by what is going on at your workplace? Thus, this is a reason why you should make the most of your annual leave days.
To wrap things up...
To conclude, we hope this article gives you a better idea on why you should make the most of your annual leave days. It is good for you both mentally and physically. It brings up your overall morale and promotes better performance at your workplace too.
Remember what you are working so hard for in the first place. Use your benefits wisely and make the most out of it. If your current job doesn’t offer you the peace of mind you need, maybe it’s time to consider a new work opportunity.
If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.
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