The next time your employer raises their eyebrows when you ask for time off, tell them this: a vacation will make you better at your job.
Studies show that ditching the office cubicle to explore the world can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, improve family relationships, boost happiness and — key for your work performance — increase focus and productivity.
Fortunately, some countries are hip to these benefits, offering employees weeks and even months off to get out of town. Unfortunately, others remain stuck in the Dark Ages, offering minimal or even zero (yes, zero) mandated days off.
Looking at paid vacation days and paid public holidays, we’ve rounded up some of the best and worst time-off policies across the globe. Note that in all these countries, employers are also free to increase paid vacation time at their discretion.
Dear bosses: hint, hint.