Vacation is a word used in English to describe a long period of leisure time. People take vacations for different reasons, including travel, a short pleasure trip, and staying home to pursue a creative interest.
Vacation is a term often used interchangeably with the term holiday. In Britain, vacation refers to a holiday, a day off from work. The terms are also used in the Commonwealth countries.
The notion of vacation developed over two centuries. It took root in the middle class and the working class, and later religion encouraged recreational activities and spiritual retreat.
Vacation time is usually paid, although some companies allow employees to take unpaid time off. Employers set out the rules regarding when and how employees can take time off for vacation. Some employers require employees to give notice when taking a vacation.
In some companies, vacation is offered in addition to PTO (paid time off). If the employee chooses to use vacation time, the company will usually allow the employee to roll over unused vacation days into the following year.
Most employers have a vacation policy in writing, and it is important for employees to read and understand the policy before taking time off for vacation. However, the FLSA does not require employers to offer vacation. Although it is illegal to require an employee to forfeit unused vacation days, some companies allow employees to roll over unused vacation days into the next year.
As with PTO, vacation is usually offered separately from sick leave. Many employees are able to accrue vacation time based on the amount of years they have been employed by the company. But, because most jobs require a certain number of hours per week, most employees do not have as much vacation time as they would like.
Employers determine the salary, hours, and other terms of employment. They also establish when and how vacation is scheduled. Sometimes, employers will allow an employee to accrue vacation time based on the number of years they have been employed, but other times they may not.
Vacation time is often considered a form of wages, and employers must pay FICA and FUTA taxes on the amount of vacation pay an employee receives. Employees will have an adjustment to their pay period accrual factor during the third year anniversary of their employment. This is done to ensure that the accrued vacation balance is based on actual hours worked, and not just the hours worked prior to the anniversary date.
While it is important to have a work-life balance, taking vacations is not a luxury. Taking a break from work is essential to health and well-being. Not only does it allow you to relax and rejuvenate, but it can help you recover from stress and reconnect with loved ones.
Vacations can also boost relationships. Research has shown that couples who take vacations together report a higher level of satisfaction and a more committed relationship. A study of 46 Dutch employees found that vacations led to greater creativity. Compared to the pre-vacation period, employees had more ideas and were more open to new ideas after vacation.
