More Vacation?

[Gingersnap]

Was watching "Good Morning America" this morning and the topic was raised. Americans have the highest productivity and the least vacation hours in the world. I for one could
use another week off to lay back and watch the world between my toes..... Do you think it would enhance or be a negative for big business. I am also interested how many of you are discouraged from taking your current vacation time.. Would appreciate Roger and all the other friends from across the seas comments too.

 

[Shirlst]

Speaking personally, I welcome my vacation time. It can't come quickly enough!

Seriously, we all work hard and long hours these days, with all the stress this involves. Everyone needs to take time out occasionally, after all we work to live, not live to work don't we?

 

[Guest]

My life IS one long vacation at the moment, Gingah, babe. Only - I don't get much sun, I never seem to make it down to the beach and I don't have the money to buy all those souvenirs I've got my heart set on. LOL

The jobs I've done in the past, though - if it's been something I've hated, like working in the tax office (three years), I've just spent my whole time itching for the day to end, the week to end, my holidays to start. If it's been a job I really enjoyed, like nursing (four and a half years), I've been more-than-willing to put in long hours and haven't spent the whole time craving my days off. But even then vacations were important. I always found that after a holiday I was revitalised, my motivation levels were back up again and I was working more effectively. You could see that with all the staff.

It's definitely good for business and productivity if workers are highly motivated and are happy. I think good holidays and regular time off help these.

There's a strong Calvinist Work Ethic in Scotland (a lot like the American "drive to succeed") but I've always thought that people sometimes spend so much time working that they're not really experiencing life. I think that's why you always hear of people dying not long after they retire. It's 'cause they've based their whole life around their job and now that's gone there's not much left for them. They've lost their purpose in life.

God - sorry 'bout that. Didn't mean to put you all on a downer, there.

Basically - more vacations for everyone!



rog
xx

 

[Merelan]

Hey, let's all go to Roger's on vacation, and cheer him up!

 

[Cyra_3]

I think we should all have more vacation time. I don't find myself being more productive when I go back after a holiday I merely find myself pining for the BB.

Unfortunately I do have to take all the holiday I'm allowed because I still find myself trying to live the same kind of lifestyle that I did when I was unemployed, (staying up 'till the wee small hours on the internet when I'm working the next day and only getting 3 or 4 hours sleep). Holiday and days off are the only times when I get enough sleep.


[This message has been edited by Cyra_3 (edited 06-12-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Cyra_3 (edited 06-12-2000).]

 

[Wild Child]

I have to say that i completly agree with Cyra because I have the exacct same problem...have we all become victems' of our internet addictions?

 

[Bodizefi]

The Europeans definitely have the right idea. They take so much more time off and many countries shut down for several hours during the day. What does it take for Americans to realize that there is so much more to life than work!!

 

[Havocman]

You know what? I haven't taken a vacation since December of 1995...maybe it's because of my schedule, I only work three days a week and get four days off...true I work 40 hours in those three days, and it seems like the four off go really quick...I dunno...all I do know is that I can never seem to take the two weeks vacation time I'm entitled to every year...get the extra pay for it, just don't take the time off.

Hmmmmmm...suddenly a lot of things about my life the last four years makes more sense.

Now that I think about it...God I need a vacation *sigh*

Havoc

 

[ShyGuy68]

Hi all.

Here in Denmark you are by law entitled to 5 weeks of paied vacation. The company you work for either pay you while you are on vacation, or they pay 12½% of your salary into a fund, that administer the money.

Then when it's time for your vacation, you send in a card to them, and it doesn't take long before you get the money from them.


ShyGuy

 

[Merelan]

Damn. I am moving in Shyman.
Please. I cook and do dishes... and laundry. And I cuddle good too.

 

[ShyGuy68]

Merelan, you are more than welcome to move in with me!! And I think it's only fair we help each other cook, and do the dished, that way we can have more time to do each other!

 

[Merelan]

oh yes. But do I get 5 weeks vacation? And what other benefits are there?

 

[ShyGuy68]

I'll give you those 5 weeks and take care of you then, if you'll give me the 5 weeks and take care of me then too!

What other benefits are there, well I can think of another person that would be closer to you than that person is now!

 

[Merelan]

I am packing and on my way.
Wait.... can Starshine come too? Her computer would finally work right. And he is a great cook.

 

[ShyGuy68]

Yes he can come, but I think I solver her computer problems. But we can always use a good cook!!

Hmm will I have you all to myself for the first few months?? Or do I have to share you with her? Maybe at the same time?

 

[Merelan]

He can live with her awhile, to make sure the computer is right. And I will saty with you. Then we switch. But I need to see him too.
Maybe we just all pitch in and buy a big house and...
wait. Didn't we already do this once?
Yes. The auction. So, we just make that house be in Denmark and add Starshine to our family.....
woooooooooo....
Here I come... spell that anyway you want!!!

 

[ShyGuy68]

*Jumps up and down in excitement* I can hardly wait!! Whoooohooooo

 

[Merelan]

Have you told Her? Does she mind?

 

[ShyGuy68]

Merelan. She read the thread herself, and she sure didn't sound like she minded! Why would she, after all we would all be together in one big happy and horny family!

 

[Cheyenne]

I encourage the people who work in my dept to take their vacation time. Everyone needs time off to recharge their batteries. I also think that the higher your level in an organization, the more likely it is that you don't really pay attention to the vacation time granted rules. You try to fit vacation into your calendar where you can find free time.

I take the last two weeks in June for vacation every year (yes, I leave Saturday) and keep it sacred. Nothing gets in the way of those two weeks, no matter what is going on in my work life. I may not take all of the rest of my available time each year, but I know that those two weeks in June are all mine.