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Writer's picturePoornima Shejal

Why do employees feel guilty about taking leave ?

Updated: Jul 3



Numerous studies have suggested in the past that India is afflicted by a hidden epidemic known as “Guilt Vacation Syndrome.” Intrigued in its meaning? In any case, the phrase refers to office workers who feel bad about taking their allotted vacation time. You might wonder why this is the case. A few are the need to always be productive, employment uncertainty, and fear of missing out (FOMO).


In addition, Indians believe that they are the group of individuals who take the fewest vacations worldwide. According to Expedia’s 2018 Vacation Deprivation Report, 75% of Indians feel vacation-deprived, which is the highest percentage in the world, followed by South Korea and Hong Kong. The yearly survey, which covers 19 nations, emphasises that fewer people are taking vacations.


Experts say that a lack of breaks and vacations can lead to mental health problems. And, the only way we can build up the courage to ask for those well-deserved offs is to work on our self-esteem. Know that you are doing better than average and that you deserve a few days away from your office desk.


Why do we feel guilty of taking a vacation from work?


Absence of breaks and vacations, according to leadership skills experts, can result in mental health issues. Working on our self-esteem is also the only approach we can get the bravery to request those well-deserved time off. Recognize that you are performing above ordinary and that you merit at least a few days away from your workstation.


A detailed examination of the causes reveals systemic and ingrained issues. If these issues are not resolved quickly, they will eventually have a detrimental impact on the Indian workforce. First off, there is a lack of consistency among the workers, who frequently feel overworked and possibly underpaid in some sectors. That needs to be formulated by executive excellence training.


Next, we have given credence to the myths that “holidays are for losers” and “being busy means success.” The toxic and harmful competitive mentality that perhaps the workforce (Indian, potentially worldwide) thrives on is highlighted by this mindset. A vacation is not the only thing that Indians lack; they also lack other essentials like sleep and good mental health. The link between the hardships creates a vicious circle in which Indians work, live, and regrettably take pride.



How to overcome guilt?


Work-life balance has received a lot of attention recently, particularly before and after the pandemic. Examining a person’s ability to organise their work hours and outside of it is a key component of work-life balance. Healthy work-life balance lowers the risk of chronic stress-related burnout and raises the likelihood that employees will love their jobs.

In order to create an environment with genuine leadership coachings where employees feel supported, it’s critical to provide well-being benefits, encourage time off, de-stigmatize mental illness in the workplace, and listen to your staff. Benefits related to wellbeing are becoming increasingly significant as we anticipate the future of work.


Everyone deserves a break, and taking one does not imply that you are unproductive or lazy. It simply indicates that you require time to unwind. Nothing else counts, so put your mental and physical health first. No one else will advise you when to stop working or take a break; it is up to you to take care of yourself. Companies use PTO and sick days for this reason.


We at BeLeader offer one of the promising essential leadership training in Pune with employee and employer friendly facilitations for businesses and corporations to boost your undertakings. Connect with us to know more.


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