How many of you consider vacation time while looking for a job? Sure, you inquire about 401k matching and bonuses, but do you simply assume you’ll get the standard two week vacation? Is it even worth asking for 3 weeks? 4 weeks?
During last week’s Water Cooler poll we asked how much vacation time is standard for MedReps visitors. Not surprisingly, 1-2 weeks was the winner. Although, as you can see, 3-4 weeks came in a close second. The 18% of people questioning what vacation time even is may seem shocking, but it’s not. According to Business Management Daily, the United States is really the only industrialized country with no formal vacation policy law. As a result, almost 25% of American workers have no form of paid vacation.
How do these numbers compare to your employer’s vacation policy?
- China – 15 days off per year
- Australia – 20 days off per year
- United Kingdom – 20 days off per year
- Germany 24 days off per year
- France 25 days off per year
No wonder the kids were striking in France. 25 paid days off is a pretty sweet deal. In reality, vacation time should be a necessity of any job. Paid time off allows the body and mind to recuperate, an advantage that pays for itself in increased productivity and career longevity. Fast Company recently profiled a series of companies who have installed a “No Vacation Time Policy” policy. The idea is that workers who are free to take off as much time as they need are more productive, because they are less stressed and more dedicated.
That approach may not be right for all organizations, but it sends a powerful message. If you work someone to death, they can’t do any more for the company. Don’t be blindsided by a low vacation day policy. You may not want to bring it up during your first interview, but it’s definitely worth discussing during salary negotiations.
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