The holiday season can seem like a bad time for getting things done in the agriculture industry. Almost everyone you employ will want to take some time off to spend with family and friends during the holidays. It can seem like the focus is more on taking time off than on being productive, even when everyone is in the office. But it’s important to keep in mind that with even the highest performing teams, a little downtime is constructive.

Here’s why it’s so important to allow and encourage your employees to take time off this time of year.

Incentivize Work

Financial bonuses and salary incentives are, of course, a strong way to attract the best workers in an industry. But a healthy PTO allowance can be the deal breaker when it comes to finding the right employees for the job. There will always be some other company willing to pay just a little more for that right employee. But candidates appreciate employers who know and understand the importance of taking time off from work and support their employees in doing so. PTO also makes for a great bonus as well.

Prevent Burnout

The truth is it doesn’t help anyone to have employees burning out on the job. It reduces productivity, it ruins morale, and it inevitably increases turnover rates. Providing employees with a break, especially during the holidays, helps promote that healthy work-life balance that everyone needs to stay engaged and effective on the job. Allow your employees to unplug fully, and they’ll come back stronger than they left.

Lower Healthcare Costs

A recent study of 13,000 middle-aged men at risk for heart disease showed those who skipped vacations for five consecutive years were found to be 30 percent more likely to suffer heart attacks than those who took at least one week off every year. The health of your employees is critical to your long-term success as a business. So, make sure you encourage them to take the time they need to unwind and de-stress. Their hearts and minds will thank you.

Increase Energy

While things will obviously slow down while the employee is out on leave, vacations facilitate higher energy levels, creativity, and a fresh perspective in workers returning to the job. Taking time off can be very positive for the employee, but also for their co-workers and the clients they interact with. That fresh perspective on the job and renewed energy to bring their best to the office can make a big difference. And that difference matters to your bottom line.

As we head into the holiday season, consider what you can do to reinvigorate your employees. Encourage them to plan their vacations well in advance so they get the break they need, and you have the support to pull you through the holiday season.

Is your ag team ready to grow?

For more tips on creating a productive team, connect with Ag 1 Source today.