More U.S. Employees are Taking Vacations than in Pre-Pandemic Years

What’s going on:     

After being cautious about taking vacations due to the pandemic and recession concerns, American workers are finally taking time off, leading to an increase in vacationing that hasn’t been seen in over a decade, according to The Wall Street Journal. Data cited from the Labor Department shows how more adults took vacation days in the first half of 2023 than in pre-pandemic years. In fact, HR firm Gusto reported that the number of employees taking vacation days rose by 11% in June 2023 compared to the same period last year. The Wall Street Journal reports that not only are more workers going on vacation, but they are also taking longer breaks. 

Why it matters:    

This increase in people making time for vacation highlights a change in employee mindset and the increased comfort people have when taking time off compared to previous years. It also illustrates a new trend where more companies are actually encouraging, and sometimes requiring, their employees to take time off as part of their employee wellness initiatives.  

How it’ll impact the future: 

This trend could lead to an increase in employee productivity and job satisfaction in long-term trends, as it shows how work culture in the U.S. is placing more emphasis on work-life balance. This might lead to more companies adopting HR policies that encourage or even mandate vacation time. Additionally, the ability to disconnect completely from work while on vacation could become a meaningful factor in job satisfaction and employee retention.