Unlike many other countries, paid vacation time isn’t a guarantee in the United States. But even when we do get it, a startling number of Americans don’t use it. A new video from The Toolbox attempts to show people who choose not to use their vacation time what they’re missing.
And The Toolbox isn’t just tilting at windmills. While the numbers vary from 33 to 50 percent, the fact of the matter is Americans leave a lot of paid vacation time on the table at the end of the year. And it’s been getting steadily worse with citizens still skittish about asking for vacation in the wake of 2008’s disastrous economic downturn. One recent study said that Americans as a whole forfeit $52 billion in paid vacation time every single year.
In addition to the lack of vacation time, studies have shown that Americans are working longer hours when they’re at home. The average workweek has ballooned a full seven hours above the traditional 40 hours. Still, a few valiant companies are bucking the trend, and the world’s richest man says we should only work three days a week. The more jobs and opportunities that are out there, the easier it will be to regain a sense of balance. Still aren’t convinced? We have plenty of material to persuade you.
