Your session has expired. $('.container-footer').first().hide(); On A Mission to Help Small Businesses to Be a Brand. "In the middle of a global pandemic? Download Employee Mandatory Vaccination Policy Letter Template. How to Set a Fair Vacation Policy for Your Small Team Organizations that utilize a use it or lose it PTO approach may find HR overwhelmed by this careful balancing act during the holiday season. HBR Learnings online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Team Management. When anyone on your team logs into Timetastic, theyll see their Wallchart: Their Wallchart tells them who has approved time off on the calendar, along with their own leave balance, so they can see how much leave they still have left to use. 26+ SAMPLE Forced and Mandatory Leave Templates in PDF | MS Word "People seem to say, 'I don't want to go to work today,' " she said, adding that the summer weather has also pushed people to use their PTO. Creating a COVID-19 vaccination policy is just the first stepnext you need to communicate the details to your employees. It contributes to a great company culture. You will need to demonstrate through your own actions that youre serious about time off. Implement rollover limits. Please note that all such forms and policies should be reviewed by your legal counsel for compliance with applicable law, and should be modified to suit your organizations culture, industry, and practices. They dont solve the root of your problem, which is finding out who on your team hasnt taken leave and giving your team a really easy way to book their holiday. However, in the retail industry, the final two months of every year are almost always the busiest. With people understandably fearful about their employment, employers need to set up and give people the mental break they need. Leave request email template. You have been a hard-working and sincere employee to our team; you have worked for so long without taking any half-day or leave. Harvards Leslie Perlow showed how consultants at Boston Consulting Group made significant progress in job satisfaction, work-life balance, and collaboration and effectiveness by taking predictable time off from their cell phones while ensuring that their work is covered by a fellow team member during that time. Others may channel their anxiety about the world into their work so they are reluctant to take time off. We need to refuel early and often. (Campaign Monitor,2019) 3. This leave can make you more motivated and help you perform more effectively. Why it's in your interest for staff to take leave. David Zaitz/Getty Images. Here's how you can encourage your employees to take their vacation time this year, even if it's only a staycation: Set an example. Encourage Employees to Take a Digital Detox, Remind Employees about the Benefits of Taking Time Off, Make it a Habit to Unplug from Work Often, Show Employees that Work-life Balance is Important, Send Monthly Vacation Balance Reminders to Employees, Have One-on-One Meetings With Employees to Encourage Them to Take Some Time Off, Provide Employees with Tools to Help them Unplug From Work, Set Up an Out-of-office Reply that Promotes Relaxation, Encourage them to Do Something Unproductive, Sample Email to Encourage Employees to Take Annual Leave, Incentives for doing so; i.e., discounts on gift cards, An official no phone zone at work that includes no cell phones or laptops allowed during certain hours of the day, A designated area in the office where people can go when they need some space away from their devices, When you work for a company, you probably know that taking time off is good for your health and well-being. }); if($('.container-footer').length > 1){ Even if our employees work from home, we ask when they are taking a 'vacation' even if it's a staycation. This is especially helpful in getting high performers or those gunning for a promotion to take vacation time. Guide To Vacation Leave Letters: Definition, Template and Sample Please enable scripts and reload this page. Encouraging staff to take annual leave | myhrtoolkit 5 of the Best Vacation Email Message Examples - Schedule emails, email They worry that workers' reluctance to take time off is only adding to the anxiety, stress and other mental health problems caused by COVID-19 and the recession. Employees need to feel that their organization understands work-life balance and that they are encouraged to take time away from the office. Education, taking time and truly respecting boundaries are essential to support an employee experience focused on well-being, thriving, inclusion and balance. How HR Can Remind Employees to Use PTO Benefits Before - BerniePortal The point is, you now have the information on hand. Dear [Name of Manager], I would like to request for one week of leave from [DATE] to [DATE]. Format #1. We are so happy to have you back at the Sunshine House. However, when a manager (i.e. Template: Check PTO Status HR Reminder 4.2.2 Earning Vacation. "Then you know what they have planned, and you can encourage them to follow up on it and take the time off.". [Include Template 4] Thanks, Your HR Team TEMPLATE 4: Managers Team Involvement (Every 6 months) Hello Team! For additional queries, you can reach our department of [Mention the details] at [mention phone number] or directly through an email at [mention the email address]. 3) who you are leaving in charge of any project should an emergency or immediate question arise. The company sent employees reminders to start planning their vacation schedules, with few responses. Employees need time to rest and enjoy themselves outside work. Remind staff to book annual leave in advance. When employees know that you value their time off and take it seriously, theyll be more likely to see the importance of taking time off themselves. For example, if you are going on vacation next week but want to respond to emails while youre gone, consider using an auto-reply that says something like: I am currently out of the office on vacation until July 1st. 2. (See the bottom section for more information about this process.). I'm saving my vacation time until Europe reopens!" My specific plans notwithstanding, my coworker's comments make sense. Need help with a specific HR issue like coronavirus or FLSA? Please log in as a SHRM member. Take a moment to think about what makes your employees happyit could be anything from playing with their dog or cat, reading a book, watching their favorite movie, or listening to music. It gives both the employee and employer time for review. Ease the numbness induced with back-to-back video calls and a long to-do list by reinventing vacations and time off, and encouraging your team to do the same. We set very clear performance metrics with our employees and allow them flexibility in accomplishing those goals. The way that vacation and PTO are talked about at your company is going to make a huge difference in people taking time off. That also means that they're responsible for getting that work done and coordinating with other team members to make that happen. This isn't unusual. Follow this simple memo to staff on . Disclaimer, Elon Musk's Illusion of Control Undermining Teslas Future, SHRM Partners with William G. McGowan Charitable Fund with Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. and Diana Spencer, The Moment is Now for Emotional Intelligence - #SHRM22, How HR Analytics Can Leverage Performance Appraisal System. To request permission for specific items, click on the reuse permissions button on the page where you find the item. Be Happy to Help: You need to encourage staff members to use their PTO. And finally, activate your team by creating a plan where work is still accomplished, even as people are offline. $("span.current-site").html("SHRM China "); If workers take 29% less vacation for the entire year, this translates into about $60B in additional accrued PTO liability. someone who can approve or decline leave requests) logs into Timetastic, they can see the remaining leave allowances for everyone on the team. 5 ways to encourage staff to take annual leave. Managers need to rise to the occasion by encouraging time off from their employees. Sample email. Make booking leave from work easy. Note that due to the busy nature of this time of year, some requests may not be approved, depending on availability and workload. Review this collection of common PTO questions and answers or watch the embedded HR Party of One video below to prepare accordingly. They will follow suit if they see that you put in your fair share of hours at work. Managers are also encouraged to be vocal about taking shorter amounts of time off. Instead, encourage your team to take shorter breaks more often an afternoon every week or a full day here and there. Be happy when employees book time off. Encouraging employees getting fresh air and exercise during work hours through outdoor breaks or fitness classes held onsite (many companies offer these types of perks). Company culture has to promote self-care and wellness for the employees. temp_style.textContent = '.ms-rtestate-field > p:first-child.is-empty.d-none, .ms-rtestate-field > .fltter .is-empty.d-none, .ZWSC-cleaned.is-empty.d-none {display:block !important;}'; 3. Encourage Employees to Use Vacation Time [Mindful Policy] - actiPLANS Sometimes, it's also about finding ways to encourage employees to take well-deserved time off. This request is due to [provide reason/s]. Here are 12 ways you can proactively encourage employees to take time off work: Encourage employees to take a digital detox. Due to the sluggish economy, employees hesitate to take time off, and/or do not disconnect 100% while on vacation, often checking in once a day or scanning emails.Failing to take vacation days can result in higher levels of stress and greater levels of disengagement at work. First, provide clarity about your time-off policy and any company, government, or health official guidelines and restrictions. Downloadable (with restrictions)! This approach is common for groups with regularly recurring busy periods, like sales teams that are expected to close in Q4. But do your employees? Tip#4: Ease any concerns about finishing your projects on time. You don't need us to tell you that taking time off should reduce stress. All of my survey participants said it was important to take time off, but many were personally reluctant to unplug. Teams are feeling . $(document).ready(function () { The company thinks that you truly deserve this vacation, and we hope you will consider our effort to appreciate your hard work and will take this opportunity. Change the Way PTO is Discussed in Your Office. Practice what you preach. You must provide the employee with notice that you require them to take annual leave, in line with the . Many companies are encouraging employees to take off half days, a day in the middle of the week, or a Monday or Friday to extend the weekend. They are now allowed to carry over two weeks instead of just one. I suggested that she take a few long weekends and do local explorations. When the economy is unstable, employers are faced with difficult decisions around staffing, pay and benefits. var temp_style = document.createElement('style'); 1. Improving the quality of your break room gives employees the feeling that they are a valuable asset to the company and their overall happiness is essential. Vacation Request Letter: 4 Templates and Emails, Vacation Request Email to Boss Sample: 4 Examples, Holiday Request Letter to Manager: 4 Templates, Leave Extension Letter Example: 4 Templates, Holiday Request Letter example: 4 Templates, Leave Application Confirmation Letter: 4 Templates, Leave of Absence Letter Template: 4 Emails, Commercial Credit Analyst Cover Letter Example: 4 Templates, Commercial PropertyManager Cover Letter Example: 4 Templates, Commercial Real Estate Broker Cover Letter Example: 4 Templates, Commis Chef Cover Letter Example: 4 Templates, Clinical Application Specialist Cover Letter Example: 4 Templates. Another option is for HR to implement PTO blackout dates. Members may download one copy of our sample forms and templates for your personal use within your organization. Take Your Lunch Break! - Harvard Business Review Managers, Remind Your Team to Take Time Off | Lattice When some of your employees are using time off, share that information with the rest of the team and encourage them to do so as well. A. shows that employees who take a lunch break are more likely to be satisfied with their job, and say they are as effective and efficient as they would like to be. 12 Ways to Encourage Employees to Enjoy and Take Time Off Talk through these fears and encourage them to use vacation time to spend more time with their families or to lay by the pool as a way to relax and unwind. Though annual leave is part of the compulsory benefits of a regular employee, it is always a good gesture when you planned it ahead of time and inform you immediate superior about it.These are the things that you need to consider before writing the letter: 1. "It is important for all of us to step away from time to time and come back to work refreshed and revitalized," Chancellor Rebecca Blank says. Vacation Policy - 11+ Examples, Format, Pdf | Examples The best way for employers to encourage employees to use their time off wisely is by creating these days themselvesnot just for their own benefit but also for those who enjoy working at home or remotely from home offices. In fact, 62% of American workers say they eat lunch at their desks. To get all of HBRs content delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Daily Alert newsletter. }); if($('.container-footer').length > 1){ Managers, Encourage Your Team to Take Time Off. Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor. Being transparent about leave policies allows individuals to consciously weigh trade-offs and enables everyone to operate from the same set of principles. The best paid time off tracking software (3 options), The best vacation tracking software (2 options), The best annual leave calendar for your business, The best way to track employee time off: plus, 2 alternative methods. Likewise, as mentioned above, employers might want to completely rework their PTO benefits for the new year. This is just a friendly reminder that, as of [DD/MM/YY], you have a remaining leave balance of [X DAYS / X HOURS]. Thats what we will discuss next. Thats why its a good idea to keep your team updated on how much leave they have and the last time they took a break. If employees are constantly connected to their colleagues and the office, theyre more likely to feel like they need to be at their desks answering emails and taking calls. Managers: Encourage employees to take vacation time If you're going to be on vacation for a week or two, then it's essential you set up your vacation email. Build specialized knowledge and expand your influence by earning a SHRM Specialty Credential. For more info on handling staff leave, check out our articles on: Our customers tell us what makes them tick. Learn if they are planning any fun trips, and remind them to book their vacation as far in advance as possible so you can be ready for it. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concernsI look forward to hearing from you soon!. But encouraging your employees to use their time off is a win for you and for them. Lisa Rabasca Roepe is a freelance writer based in Arlington, Va. You have successfully saved this page as a bookmark. The first step to dismissing any negative perceptions about taking time off is to reassure your employees that their jobs are safe. Thank you for going the extra mile. Posted on August 4, 2021 "It's important for employers to say [to employees], 'We care about you,' " said Jackie Reinberg, North America consulting leader, absence, disability management and life, at London-based Willis Towers Watson. " "People don't have a lot of control right now, and they are trying to control what they can.". A smaller share (16 percent) are requiring employees to take vacation time, and another 22 percent are planning to take or considering that approach. Managers, Encourage Your Team to Take Time Off - Harvard Business Review Putting a cap on this important time doesn't help our effort to achieve high levels of employee satisfaction and productivity. Welcome Back to Work Letter and Email Examples - The Balance Careers 8 Engagement Templates to Encourage Employee Glassdoor Reviews SHRM's HR Knowledge Advisors offer guidance and resources to assist members with their HR inquiries. With nowhere to go and much to adjust to, most people have cancelled not only their travel reservations but their time off as well. It is the most valued," Reinberg said. 'We understand you can't travel. If there arent any available at your company yet but would like something similar instead then consider adding an incentive program where each employee receives points based on how many hours they worked each week which can then be redeemed at the end of each month towards goods or services such as gym memberships or other activities outside work hours. They can use that time as a mini-weekend getaway with their friends or family. That said, human resources personnel should also communicate regular reminders to employees about making the most of their PTO throughout the year. Overworked employees are unhappy, do not engage and do not contribute to a productive office environment. Need help with a specific HR issue like coronavirus or FLSA? Taking a break from work can be a great way to recharge and re-energize, but it can also do a lot for your mental and physical health. Using this circular for declaring holiday format, you can write leave circular for your own company. Please enter the text you see in the image below: SHRM provides content as a service to its readers and members. If our content helps you to contend with coronavirus and other challenges, please consider subscribing to HBR. To give the company time to finalize schedules, team members are expected to submit requests by [date] through [communication method]. - John Lie-Nielsen, One Park Financial 5. Neither members nor non-members may reproduce such samples in any other way (e.g., to republish in a book or use for a commercial purpose) without SHRMs permission. So, by looking into your efforts and integrity to accomplish your goal in the company, we have decided to offer you a special leave for (mention the period) days, and we will be very happy if you accept it. The benefits of taking time off are numerous: it helps your employees be more productive at work, it helps them be happier with their job, it can make them more creative by giving their minds a chance to wander freely with no deadlines or restrictions, and it gives them a chance to recharge their batteries so that when work starts up again after the break theyre ready for anything. For our reps, we've developed a simple algorithm for encouraging them to take vacation days and PTO. One of the most important things you can do to ensure that your employees are able to enjoy their time off is to create company holidays. Address and ease their fears of taking time off. By intentionally taking time off and fully disconnected from work, I signal to others that it's okay to do the same. The current crisis is creating more urgency and more work. 5 Reasons You Should Encourage Your Employees To Take Vacations How to encourage employees to take annual leave - Robert Half Step 3 - Create your direction to take annual leave due to an excessive leave balance letter . } If you have any questions about your leave balance, or how to reschedule your leave, please reach out to your manager. Tami Wolownik, human resources head at Siemens Mobility, North America, a transportation consulting firm in Alpharetta, Ga., suggests that managers encourage employees to take a day or two off to . Yet, few employees feel comfortable taking the time off they need, especially as travel plans and other vacations are cancelled.