Why Encouraging Employees to Take Their Full Holiday Allowance Matters

As an employer, it's easy to focus on output, targets, and productivity. But one of the most important—and often overlooked—ways to support performance is to actively encourage your employees to take their full holiday allowance.

Burnout is a growing issue in today’s workplace. When employees regularly work without proper breaks, they’re far more likely to suffer from mental and physical exhaustion. Burnout leads to reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, higher staff turnover, and, ultimately, a negative impact on your organisation’s culture and bottom line. Despite this, many employees still feel reluctant to take their holidays—whether due to workload pressures, fear of being seen as less committed, or the simple habit of ‘pushing through’. As a leader, you set the tone. If people see that time off is respected, encouraged, and even expected, they’re far more likely to use their entitlement without guilt. Time away from work helps employees recharge, return with fresh perspective, and maintain their wellbeing. It improves morale, creativity, and resilience—key qualities in any high-performing team.

To help get you started, here are some hints and tips, as well as free resources (also available on our website http://www.kmhrsolutions.co.uk ):

• Complete our Burnout Checklist HERE to help prevent and manage burnout risks within your company.

• Implement practical and meaningful behaviours in your business to reduce the risk of burnout without resorting to expensive wellbeing programs your employees are unlikely to make use of. Download our guide for small businesses HERE.

• For companies with 21 or more employees, Breathe HR software incorporates a NPS (Net Promotor Score) tool, an easy-to-use tool that helps SMEs to build a culture of listening, integrity & honesty. Contact us to find out more.

  
  

Encouraging a culture where holiday is taken isn't just good for staff—it's good for business. So review your policies, lead by example, and make it clear: taking time off is not only allowed, it’s essential. If you need some advice on how to update your company culture to embrace taking time off, get in touch and we get set you on the right path.