Unlike all the other advantages one is exposed to in a corporate environment, leave of absence do not come often. And when it does come, it is often too tempting to resist, even as you would just want it last forever. This is because not only does it afford you the chance to stay off your workplace, it also presents to you lots of opportunities to explore other ways of developing yourself.
Leave is one of the best things about being employed
When you are on leave (holiday), you don’t have to wake up 6:00 am to resume work at 8:00 am. You won’t even have to sit in a particular position for 8 hours, neither would you have to wrack your brain just so you can get your tasks completed.
Indeed, observing the leave of absence is good for a whole lot of reasons. Little wonder every well-established organisation ensures to avail their workers the opportunity to experience it. Below are some of the importance of leave, as you may already know.
The Importance of leave of absence
It is essential in order to boost employees’ productivity – Availing every employee the opportunity to enjoy (at least two weeks leave of absence), is no doubt key to better performance at work. This is because it serves as an opportunity for workers to refresh and even have a little more time to attend to some personal matters.
Workers’ failure to take decent breaks from work is similar to sleep deprivation.. And just as lack of sleep impedes one’s ability to think clearly and act decisively, so does lack of relaxation keeps you from functioning to your optimal.
Even science supports time off work – According to a study, taking at least three weeks of holiday each year could help you live longer. According to the research, healthy diet and regular exercise are no substitutes for taking some time off work, especially when it comes to relieving stress. In fact, the 40-year study found that patients who took fewer than three weeks of annual holiday were more likely to die young than those who took more.
“Don’t think having an otherwise healthy lifestyle will compensate for working too hard and not taking holidays.”
How different people utilise their leave of absence
So, having established the importance of taking some time off from work, the question then becomes – how do you even spend your leave days? According to findings by Nairametrics, quite a number of Lagos workers simply use their leave period as time to relieve stress. Others, however, believe it is a good for them to do other things that will advance their careers and professional well being.
However, some people do not go on leave in the real sense. For Ganiya Aliyu, a Public Relations Officer, he prefers to use his leave period to do other things that can earn him extra cash and supplement his salary.
“What I do basically when I am on leave is that I run errands for my store. I don’t plan to work in the corporate industry forever, my plan is to resign at a point which will afford me time for my family and run my personal businesses, one of which is my store.”
Similarly, Oluwaseun Bakare said he doesn’t really go on vacation. This, according for him, he plans his leave in such a way that it enables him to study for the university programme he is undergoing.
“My leave is very unusual because I am often in school during those times. I am running a programme in school and that is the only time I have to write my examinations. I purposely travel out of Lagos State during my leave while I write my exams, because I just want to have a feeling that I am on leave, but in the real sense, it doesn’t look like it.”
In conclusion
Many people don’t even get to enjoy their leaves, all in a bid to engage themselves in activities that are materially beneficial, although mentally strenuous.
When most people are asked the last time they took proper time-off – they either say “never” or they simply “I can’t remember”. This is the very reason many people either suffer from burnout or generally begin to suffer in the workplace on a physical, emotional and professional level.
Do not allow this to happen to you. Ensure to take some time off to relax and regain yourself. It is very necessary.
