Next week I’ll be taking some time off from work and one of the things on my list is to catch up on my reading. As of right now I have about 18 books that I want to read that I just haven’t gotten too – and some are several months old!
One of the things about most workplaces, and where I work is no different, is that employees are never really allowed to recharge their batteries. Sure, you get a few weeks vacation each year – but as anyone can tell you (and studies have proven) most employees come back to work feeling worse than before they left because all they can think about during the week or two they take off is work, and all the work waiting for them at work when they get back!
Some companies do it right and offer employees sabbaticals every so often. For example, a few companies offer employees one or two months off to do whatever they want (in addition to their regular vacation) for every 5 years of employment. The employees get to really relax and come back to work energized and refreshed and ready to really contribute to the team and the company. They have enough time to completely decouple their lives from work and enjoy the down time.
Other companies take it a step further and have gotten rid of the notion of vacation time altogether. Employees are encouraged to take as much time as they need, whenever they want to – as long as they meet their expectations, they are treated like adults who can manage their own lives. What a concept – being measured on your contributions and results instead of your ‘butt in chair time’.
For me, though, its a rush to do a thousand things in 7 short days so I can jump back into the rat race. At least, if nothing else, I hope to be able to enjoy a few good books – and let my imagination soar.
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