News
The 10 countries with the least paid vacation—the U.S. is No. 2
Published
1 year agoon
By
New Yorker
Paid vacation days are essential to promoting healthy work-life balance among professionals. But according to a new report from Resume.io, a career resource platform, American workers aren’t getting enough of them.
The report, which reviewed data on laws governing annual statutory paid leave and paid public holidays in 197 countries, found that the United States is the second worst country for paid vacation days.
“The United States’ lack of paid vacation days negatively impacts work-life balance in many ways,” Lotte van Rijswijk, Resume.io’s content team lead, tells CNBC Make It. The average American gets 10 vacation days per year after one year of service, which are all public holidays like Presidents’ Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, access to paid vacation leave can vary due to a number of factors including industry, full-time versus part-time employment and union versus nonunion status.
“Studies show that 50% of American workers are not taking vacation time. This lack of downtime could lead to burnout and stress — and in more severe cases depression and mental health conditions,” van Rijswijk says. “According to the American Psychological Association, 27% of U.S. adults say they’re so stressed they can’t function.”
Based on the report, here are the 10 countries with the least amount of paid vacation days:
1. Micronesia
Continent: Oceania
Total Paid Vacation Days: 9
2. United States of America
Continent: North America
Total Paid Vacation Days: 10
3. Nauru
Continent: Oceania
Total Paid Vacation Days: 10
4. Palau
Continent: Oceania
Total Paid Vacation Days: 12
5. Kiribati
Continent: Oceania
Total Paid Vacation Days: 13
6. Mexico
Continent: North America
Total Paid Vacation Days: 14
7. China
Continent: Asia
Total Paid Vacation Days: 16
8. Lebanon
Continent: Asia
Total Paid Vacation Days: 17
9. Philippines
Continent: Asia
Total Paid Vacation Days: 17
10. Nigeria
Continent: Africa
Total Paid Vacation Days: 17
According to van Rijswijk, the U.S. also falls short in the paid leave department. Though most countries have a norm of 4 weeks of paid leave, the U.S. is the only “developed country with no statutory paid leave.”
And given the increased concerns of an economic downturn in 2023, working mothers, fathers, and caregivers shouldn’t expect favorable changes to paid leave any time soon – however, van Rijswijk says “employers who value employees’ wellbeing won’t cut this type of benefit.”
“Our prediction is that some companies might consider rolling paid leave (parental and vacation) back to the minimum allowed by law. However, businesses with a longer-term vision are unlikely to do this,” she explains.
“That’s because when companies cut paid leave, all employers can argue is that they are winning back time, and time might be money — but it won’t be worth much if the workforce is overworked, stressed, unmotivated and unproductive.”
For employees vying for more paid vacation days or paid leave, van Rijswijk recommends advocating for yourself by expressing your needs with leadership.
“People can advocate for themselves and their needs by negotiating the number of paid vacation days with their employer,” she says. “The most accessible time to do this is at the stage of accepting an employer’s offer of employment — but compassionate employers should be open to having this conversation with staff who feel they require more paid time off (especially when circumstances change, like personal health and family size, etc.), no matter how long they have worked there.”
“Another way countries with the least paid vacation days can push for change is by putting pressure on government groups and representatives. The more noise employees make about their rights, the more coverage and airtime the issue will receive. Over time this could help decisionmakers take concerns seriously and prompt a change in workplace benefit law and policy.”
Check out:
Doing 4 things can help you bounce back from a layoff: ‘Go into preparation and planning mode’
This veteran learned these 5 leadership tips in the Navy—they work in corporate America, too
The 10 mistakes you could make at an office holiday party that are most likely to get you fired
Sign up now: Get smarter about your money and career with our weekly newsletter
Source: CNBC
You may like
-
Nearly half of Americans workers say they would support a ban on political talk in the office
-
AirPods, Rolex watches, Louis Vuitton bags: A company selling lost luggage items attracts worldwide fans
-
You can buy a home in France or Italy for ‘the price of a new truck’—but take these 3 steps before retiring abroad
Tech Moves: Seattle tech vet Dave Parker named CEO of Entrepreneurs’ Organization
White branded a ‘menace’ as fans spot what he did to Vicario before Arsenal goal
World of Hyatt Elevates Luxury Portfolio
Texas pregnancy center provides faith-centered ‘holistic care’ for women in crisis
Thunderstorms possible around NYC as region sees major warmup
This Easy Addition to Your Egg Muffins Will Double Your Protein at Breakfast
17 Comforting Recipes to Bring to a Friend Who Is Grieving
Olivia Munn’s Cancer Treatment Led to ‘Medically Induced Menopause’—Here’s What That Means
The Truth About Popular Sleep Supplements, From Magnesium to Melatonin
What My First Time Having Sex After Giving Birth Felt Like
Ceretone’s Core One Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Are Near Invisible, and Barely Helpful
Jerry Seinfeld Once Scrapped a Reunion ‘Seinfeld’ Episode Because It Was Too Late
The smart money has AI in its portfolio – Asia Times
Bruins forward James van Riemsdyk is skating confidently against his former team
How to Get Free Kindle Books With Your Library Card
Trending
-
Lifestyle2 hours ago
Colin Jost Wins Over Tough White House Correspondents Dinner Crowd With Praise for ‘Decent’ Biden
-
News2 hours ago
Chinese EV makers zooming by pioneer Tesla – Asia Times
-
News3 hours ago
Biden places politics over strategy in US Steel sale – Asia Times
-
Tech2 hours ago
There’s never been a better time to get into Fallout 76
-
Sport3 hours ago
Colts owner Jim Irsay denies he overdosed when police found him unresponsive in December
-
Wellness3 hours ago
I Was Told I Had an STI. It Was Actually Cervical Cancer
-
News2 hours ago
Hong Kong exports rebound despite Sino-US trade war – Asia Times
-
Tech2 hours ago
Seattle mayor joins tech leaders on Homeland Security’s new AI safety and security board