Tropical studio/Shutterstock.com Don't be afraid to ask for the time off you deserve.
- You might think it's better to not ask for vacation time, so you can be a better asset to your company and not frustrate your boss and colleagues.
- But time off is refreshing and restorative, and it benefits your productivity and the company at large.
- Here's how to ask for time off in a way that respects your boss' and colleagues' schedules.
More than half of Americans don't use all of their vacation days, according to a study by US Travel Association's Project Time Off.
But taking a break can keep your relationship with your family healthy and flourishing.
And, contrary to what you might think, asking for time off could even impress your boss.
"You don't have to be scared or worry to ask for a week off," career and wellness coach Joanna Echols told Business Insider.
"When I was still in my corporate leadership roles I would always value the people who could ask for what they needed with a polite confidence," Echols said. "I believe that if you know how to take care of your own needs you will also be able to take good care of the company's needs as well."
You'll make your boss and colleagues even happier if you ask and prepare for your time off in a way that respects everyone's schedule. Here's how to ask for - and receive - vacation time.