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Survey shows effects of vacation time wear off after a few days

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A new study shows the importance vacation time can have in the workplace.

Experts with the study said the majority of people generally get the desired effect of the vacation, which is typically stress relief.

Dr. David Ballard is the director of the Center for Organizational Excellence with the American Psychological Association.

“When they come back they report being less stressed, their mood is better, they have more energy, they’re more motivated, and they say they’re more productive and their work quality is better on the job. So that’s good news but the downside is for nearly two thirds of working Americans those positive effects actually dissipate within a few days of coming back to work.”

Dr. Ballard said a good way to lengthen the stress relief effects of a vacation is to work from home the first day back to catch up before getting back to the routine.

He said morale and work ethic is higher in workplaces where time off is encouraged.

 

More information on the survey is at the APA's website.