Courtney Martin writes, "in this cutthroat economic environment, vacation -- like parental leave -- goes the way of the wimp. Even if workers are employed by companies that guarantee vacation time, many of them are afraid to take advantage because they might be seen as slackers. A culture of self-sacrifice has cropped up in so many careers, leaving those who take their full two weeks looking uncommitted and ineffective." But are they? Martin continues:
Three-week vacations have proven to be a boost to productivity and profits at enlightened American firms where the culture truly supports the practice. Especially in the knowledge economy, clear thinking and a fresh perspective are critical to best practice. How can anyone expect to get the newest ideas and most innovative approaches from workers who only get the occasional weekend getaway, cell phones still permanently attached to their ears?
Some companies are already reporting hard-and-fast evidence of the phenomenon, according to Robinson. Jancoa, a Cincinnati-based cleaning services company, extended its vacation benefits for its 468 employees to three weeks at a total cost of seven cents. Productivity and morale increased so much that the company was able to eliminate overtime and cut its retention and recruiting costs. The H Group, a management firm founded in 1990 and based in Salem, Oregon, has seen profits double since owner Ron Kelemen pushed his three-week vacation program.
Of course, here I am, doing exactly what I regularly rail against, justifying a policy that's good for society but potentially costly for business based on its potential economic benefits. Curses! So let me be clear: Even if this was a costly policy, we should still implement it. The richest society in the world should guarantee three weeks of useable vacation to its members. George W. Bush, after all, is well-acquainted with the restorative effects of a summer month spent lounging on the ranch. Would that we all had such enlightened employers as, well, the American people.
