Leading by Example: Encouraging Time Off to Support Team Well-Being

Posted by

Kate Harry Shipham

Posted on

Nov 19, 2024

In today’s demanding work environment, the well-being of employees is critical to maintaining a healthy, productive team. Management and directors have a unique responsibility to set the tone for their organizations by prioritizing and modeling the importance of taking time off. Here are three key ways leaders can lead by example and encourage their teams to take the rest they need:

1. Demonstrate the Value of Time Off

Leaders who consistently prioritize their own time off send a powerful message: rest is not only acceptable but essential for peak performance. When management openly communicates their vacation plans or shares how taking time off has helped them recharge, it normalizes the practice for others.

By doing so, leaders eliminate the unspoken fear many employees have of being judged or falling behind if they take a break. This proactive approach helps foster a culture where time off is seen as a necessary investment in personal well-being and productivity rather than an indulgence.

2. Create Clear Policies and Boundaries

Even when organizations have generous leave policies, employees may hesitate to take advantage of them due to unclear expectations or mixed messages. Leaders should actively encourage the use of vacation time by setting clear guidelines and creating a supportive environment. For instance, instituting a "no emails while on vacation" policy or ensuring workloads are covered during absences can alleviate stress and ensure employees truly disconnect during their time away.

Managers and directors should also take steps to check in with team members who may be overworking or carrying unused vacation days. A simple conversation acknowledging their hard work and encouraging them to rest can go a long way in creating balance and preventing burnout.

3. Address Time-Off Guilt Head-On

Many employees struggle with guilt over taking time off, feeling as though they are letting their team down or risking their reputation. Leaders can help by addressing this mindset directly. Talk about the benefits of rest, such as improved creativity, better decision-making, and increased resilience, and explain how these benefits positively impact the entire team.

Share examples of times when rest has helped the company achieve greater success or when employees returned from time off with fresh perspectives that led to innovative solutions. When leaders reinforce that time away is not a disruption but a contribution to long-term success, they help shift the narrative around time off from guilt to growth.

Final Thoughts

Leaders play an essential role in shaping workplace culture, and encouraging time off is a key part of fostering a healthy, productive environment. By modeling the value of rest, creating clear policies, and addressing time-off guilt, management and directors can lead by example and inspire their teams to prioritize their well-being. This commitment to balance not only enhances employee satisfaction but also drives sustainable success for the organization.

Time off is not just a break—it's an opportunity to recharge, refocus, and return ready to contribute at your best. As a leader, you have the power to make this the standard for your team.