Yeah, I know… but there’s gotta be a few lurking in here and all it takes is one to make a difference.
If you are in any sort of leadership position at your current job: team lead, manager, supervisor, coordinator, director, doesn’t matter. Take the initiative with your direct reports, have a one on one conversation, and LET THEM KNOW THAT IT’S OK TO TAKE TIME OFF AND USE THEIR PTO / TIME OFF ACCRUALS.
Unfortunately there are some people who have been on their grind in dead end jobs for so long that when given the opportunity they think there’s some sort of catch. Or they are new to the job and will assume unhealthy behaviors early on to prove themselves.
The amount of management-stuff I’ve saved myself from by just telling my team it’s ok to need and to actually take a break every once in a while has paid off in the long run and is making my day to day job easier now because of it.
If you do not get paid time off: demand it.
If you are an employee with time off accruals: use them unapologetically.
If you are a middle-manager and you know your team needs a break: you give it to them as best that you can. And when the work says you cannot take one you make that your boss’s #1 problem in every way, shape, or form you know how until you’ve exhausted every last angle and opportunity available to you.
It shouldn’t be this fucking complicated to take care of your people. And too many “leaders” fail to see people as their responsibility.
Signed,
A Middle-Manager