Vacation: Overworked? Take a Few Days Off like the Rest of the Developed World

Let me guess, you need a vacation! Your answer is most likely: YES! It's not surprising since Americans average the shortest vacation in the developed world. To put global vacation time in perspective, here is a short list of countries*:

Sweden: 32
France: 30
Spain: 30

Germany: 30
Ireland: 28
Japan: 25
USA: 16

* According to the Economic Policy Institute World Alamanac

Many nations with vacation days which nearly double the United States' are European. Without getting into Economics, we can eliminate any productivity arguments & GDP outcome because last I checked the Euro matched strongly against the U.S. Dollar. What's the bottom line? Americans are working more and enjoying it less! We live in the land of the free, yet are the most office-bound developed country.

I often wondered how employees in the 60s, 70s, and 80s passed down-time without the invention of the modern Internet. A time before instant-messaging, blogs and tmz.com. Did the nicotine stained, slightly yellow curtains and polyester pants really allow for 8 hours to pass by faster? Reality is that we're adhering to decades-old work standards. As technology continues to expedite and improve our productivity, hours remain steady at 40.

At first impression of France's 35 hour, government mandated workweek in 2000, I chuckled. Do they really need more time for a glass of Bordeaux & a cigarette? In certain job sectors, if we can accomplish 40 hours of work more efficiently today than our predecessors, why remain on the clock? As many of you know, after only 5 years of the new work-structure, the French said au revoir. It was reversed in large part because the 35 hour structure did not decrease France's unemployment numbers. Despite its failure, we can learn useful lessons from their venture. The overall message to large corporations was correct - timesize, don't downsize.

With our own unemployment statistics weighing heavy on the U.S. economy, many working Americans feel lucky "just to have a job". I am in no way encouraging laziness, or punching out early. A strong work ethic is very important; one feels great when accomplishing a project, and in return receives gratitude from co-workers and clients alike. A sense of worth is psychologically vital for us as human beings. Time away from the office is equally vital, both mentally & physically. Don't wait until the last 10 days of December when you may be forced to use remaining vacation days. I encourage you, the working American to treat yourself to a few days of relaxation during a non-national holiday. May I suggest the 4th of June? It's a Wednesday; make it a long weekend and maybe I'll see you on the beach!