By establishing a company culture that values time away from work, business leaders can improve employee engagement, creativity, and retention.

When was the last time you took a real vacation? If it has been a while, start planning one. Though many are often reluctant to do so, there can be enormous advantages when executives step away from the office, both for themselves and their staffs. In this way, embracing PTO is a calculated investment in the longterm viability of your company—not just a personal luxury.

The importance of work-life balance

A company cannot really flourish without building a culture where work-life balance is valued and supported, and encouraging the use of PTO is key to that. While it is a prevalent belief that time off will reduce output, the truth is often the opposite. Following a break, staff members and leaders alike typically return with a fresh enthusiasm and concentration that allows them to maximize their effectiveness as they tackle their workloads. That’s because stepping away from workplace obligations also means stepping away from the related pressure and stress, allowing the mind and body to relax and release any held tension and anxiety. Such a mental reset can subsequently result in improved creativity and sharpened problem-solving abilities for better overall performance.

On top of that, various studies have found that businesses that respect the worklife balance often have greater employee satisfaction and retention rates. Highprofile companies such as HubSpot and Adobe have even instituted flexible PTO policies, showing ultimate trust in their team members to balance deadlines with their personal time. In turn, these employees reciprocate by being more engaged and productive, leading to a more positive environment and greater output all around.

It depends on you

The first step is establishing a clear PTO policy that emphasizes to employees the importance of taking advantage of this perk. However, they may still be reluctant to do so unless they see or hear of their leaders doing the same. In other words, you need to lead by example by scheduling your own time off now and again— and without reluctance. When you embrace your time away with enthusiasm, you model a culture that values balance, encouraging your employees to feel more comfortable and empowered to do the same. And when everyone has a chance to recharge, you can come back together as an increasingly committed and resilient workforce.

Maximize your time off

Of course, there’s another business benefit of taking time off: it may help you become a better leader. In addition to mitigating stress and hitting the reset button, these periods enable you to engage in what’s called “creative incubation.” As described by Joseph Campbell in his book The Power of Myth, this is when you distance yourself from your workplace responsibilities and let your mind work in the background while you engage in other activities. While this may feel counterproductive, answers to difficult problems tend to reveal themselves when you’re not actively reflecting on them. Turn your attention elsewhere for a bit, and you may soon be hit with the fresh ideas you need to truly propel your company.

The most successful businesses are often those that understand the value of time off and actively encourage their staff members to embrace it. By setting the tone through stepping away yourself periodically, you will not only build a work environment that celebrates balance but also improve your own effectiveness as a leader.

TAKE ACTION:
Give yourself some well-deserved rest, which will inspire your staff to follow suit, ultimately fostering a more creative and productive culture.