I have started this blog for the purpose of discussing the sorry state of vacation time in the USA and what can be done to improve it! Did you know that our country scores miserably in comparison to other major "Western" countries in areas of minimal vacation time available, vacation time USED, and most importantly the simple availability of any vacation AT ALL?
Sadly, many American employees don't take vacation for various reasons. We may be afraid to leave the office (due to insecurity over possible job loss), we may feel guilty about "not working" (our superlative work ethic) or we may even think that vacation is "boring" or for the "lazy".
The truth is that vacation can be a time to relax or even recharge, to spend time with your family and friends, get in touch with the world, create or nurture hobbies/interests, meet new people, experience new events outside of the workplace, possibly via travel. All of these things can best be done in a non-rushed, stress-free fashion, which can only be accomplished with the implementation of consistent, mandatory vacation time for the currently overworked American worker.
America IS the greatest country in the world. Unfortunately, we have the worst vacation system on the planet when you look at "Western" countries. For example, when you look at the facts, 25% of Americans get NO vacation at all, NONE! You may also be shocked at how our vacation time compares to other countries in the world, period... regardless of their financial, political, social or cultural status.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_statutory_minimum_employment_leave_by_country
This blog will attempt to open your eyes to a situation that needs attention right now! If we do manage to get a National Healthcare revamp, which in my opinion we strongly need... we also need minimum vacation for all Americans, which should be mandated and implemented by federal law. Studies show that while the French get a minimum of 5 weeks vacation (8 weeks average) and work a 39 hour week, their productivity is higher than that here at home. This is most likely due to their vacation policy which leaves them more refreshed, well-rested and healthier, mentally, physically and psychologically. This policy contributes to a longer life span and lower healthcare costs and a better, less stress-filled life. Less of the demon stress that contributes to one's sooner-than-later demise.
http://www.thinkandask.com/2005/10191vacations.html
On this blog, we are going to try and educate you about options to improve our situation and where we believe that we, as hard-working Americans, should stand on the issue of vacation for ourselves and our future generations and how we can organize to obtain that goal.
We need and appreciate your positive suggestions, comments and overall input. Please share. If you disagree, let's talk about it, if you agree, let's certainly talk about that as well. We want to get the information out about this dire situation, organize and then start down the path to VACATION FOR ALL AMERICANS. Our past and current work history indicates that we, as a nation, more than deserve this. The rest of the mainstream (and even many non-mainstream) countries already have this life benefit. Why don't we? And why can't we afford it if the rest of the world can?
We're supposed to be the "best country in the world"! As such, we need a better life and lifestyle for ourselves and our families. Let's start down the path together and let others know about this site so that we can get the ball rolling. Remember that "Today could be the first day of the rest of your "vacation-filled" life!" Let's make this happen! What do you think?
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Last week I saw this matter briefly discussed on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher. I'm on board this effort to give Americans more well-earned leisure time in return for all of our hard labor. But what can I do? Is it simply a matter of writing my Senator or Congressman? And do you think this will merit any attention from them during this national Health Reform crisis? Thank you for your input.
ReplyDeleteI too saw the Bill Maher show and that is what inspired me to start this blog. I think that the best thing that you can do at this moment is to stay right here while we organize and build. We need to show how this would be good for the country and we, it's citizens. We need to show how it will improve productivity, reduce medical costs, make us better, happier and longer living persons as well. It will take Congress to propose a law, the President to sign it but it will also take us, "We the people" to let our voices be heard.
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