While It’s Freezing Outside, Leaders Are Planning for spring
While It’s Freezing Outside, Leaders Are Planning for Spring
While most of the country is shivering through record-breaking cold, I'm doing something that might seem counterintuitive: I'm encouraging my entire team to plan their vacations now (we are talking about being in warmer destinations right now). Not just because they deserve a break—but because their mental well-being directly impacts our team's performance.
The Science is Clear: Time Off Strengthens Your Team
Research from The Josh Bersin Company confirms that taking time off plays a "crucial role in employee mental health and overall well-being." Yet studies reveal that "54% of workers will use a sick day instead of PTO" and "a third felt they couldn't take time off because they had too much to do." Yep, some organizations only have a time bank for PTO.
As leaders, we can change this. Here's what happens when you actively encourage your team to plan time away:
1. They Build Autonomy & Ownership
When team members plan vacations, they're forced to:
- Document their processes for coverage.
- Train colleagues on their responsibilities.
- Build redundancy into workflows.
- Take ownership of seamless handoffs.
The research: Organizations with strong PTO cultures see "higher job satisfaction and lower stress levels" with employees who are "more productive and more engaged." When leaders visibly support time off, "it creates a culture of acceptance" that "empowers employees" to prioritize their well-being.
2. They Return with Fresh Perspective & Creativity
Whether they're diving in Belize or simply unplugging for a long weekend away, stepping away resets their thinking.
What science shows: "When you are in a positive space, you're able to problem solve more. You're able to think outside the box." Constant work mode creates "more narrow" thinking where "you rely on your past experience." I’ve experienced this firsthand with my peers.
Your team's best ideas often come after they've had time to recharge.
3. They Prevent Burnout & Sustain Performance
Why Encourage Planning NOW?
- It is currently Wave Season, and THE best time to get promotions for cruise and land vacations = easier for the team to say, "Yes."
- Forces calendar planning before the busy season hits.
- Gives adequate time to prepare coverage.
- Boosts morale when winter feels endless.
What Leaders Can Do This Week
- Send the PTO balance reminder – Many employees don't realize how much time they have remaining.
- Share your own plans – Model the behavior you want to see.
- Block team vacation time – Make it clear that taking time off is expected, not just allowed.
- Ask directly – "Have you planned how you will recharge this spring?"
Research shows Human Resources and leaders can influence PTO culture by "asking team leaders to model good PTO practices by taking time off themselves."
The Bottom Line
Research confirms that "well-being must be a priority." Teams whose leaders actively encourage time off come back sharper, more creative, and better equipped to tackle challenges.
Your team's mental well-being isn't separate from performance—it's the foundation of it.
So while they're scraping ice off their windshields this week, help them answer this question: Where will you recharge this spring?
What's your approach? How do you encourage your team to actually use their PTO? I'd love to hear what's working.
Michelle Green, ASTA Verified® Travel Advisor, is the founder of Conversational Traveler and a Board Member of the NYC Chapter of the American Society of Travel Advisors (NYC ASTA). She passionately believes that meaningful connections are the authentic souvenirs of every journey, inspiring her to curate milestone-worthy experiences that last a lifetime. Michelle’s blend of luxury travel expertise and heartfelt belief ensures every itinerary is intentional, elevated, and as uniquely personal as the travelers themselves.