Isabelle Ratinaud, Marketing Director at Monster UK said: “For employees who stand to lose some of their 2010 holiday allocation, now would be a good time to think about whether they want to be in the same situation next year. It’s very easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you are indispensible, but it’s vital to take time to relax, switch off and have some fun. You’ll come back to work refreshed, energetic and raring to go. Ultimately taking some down time is really important to career success because it makes such a positive difference to overall performance, productivity and job satisfaction.”
5 top tips for managing your holiday allocation
- Find out how much notice you need to give - You must give your employer advance notice that you want to take holiday. Many employers will state this in your contract, so make sure you check it out. As a general guideline this notice should be at least twice as long as the amount of holiday you want to take. For example, you should give two weeks' notice for one week's holiday.
- Plan ahead – Being organised well in advance, even of your contractual holiday notice period, will help you to book, and keep, your holiday allocation. If you know there is a time when lots of other people will want holiday get in early, or plan an alternative time.
- Don’t feel guilty – You have as much right to holiday as anyone else. Even if you’re just going to be pottering around at home, doing some cleaning and getting some bills in order this is no less important than anyone else’s last minute requests. Sometimes it’s really important to put yourself before others – so don’t volunteer to forfeit your holiday unless it’s really important.
- Familiarise yourself with your employment contract – As well as your holiday allocation, don’t forget to think about what is expected of you in terms of unpaid overtime, working weekends and days in lieu. Make sure when you get a new job, or are asked to sign an updated contract you read the small print and decide whether you are happy with the details.
- Remember – Your employer is under no legal obligation to let you carry over your holiday to the following year. Many companies will set out their policy in your contract, so make sure you’re fully aware of the terms. Holiday is there for you to take so that you can recharge your batteries and do a good job. Taking your full holiday allocation is a win-win situation for employers as well as employees as it ensures staff are fully rested and as productive as possible when working.
