If you need a new New Year’s resolution, here’s one: ‘I will use up all my vacation leave in 2010.’ An online poll of 667 workers revealed that 66% of respondents had not used all of their allocated vacation leave in 2009.

“All employees should make it their New Year's resolution to use allocated vacation during the year. Not doing so can lead to increased stress and related health issues, negatively impacting performance and productivity,” says Douglas J. Matthews, president and chief operating officer at Right Management. “Conversely, taking vacation can boost creativity and rejuvenate overall energy and focus,” he adds.

Last year, the unemployment rate topped the single digits, creating panic over job security among many U.S. workers, especially those whose companies have reduced staff levels to the bare bone. “This past year has been a hectic one for employers and employees alike. Cutbacks, restructurings, mergers and more have all contributed to heavy workloads. Employees likely have not taken their full vacation for fear of job security, as well as inadequate support to fill in for them when they are out,” explains Matthews.

He urges employers to be mindful of the physical and psychological conditions of the workplace and their effect on job performance. “[Physical and psychological factors] can influence turnover and retention, absenteeism, frequency of health claims, safety and a host of other HR issues. Using vacation time is important to maintain balance and wellness,” Matthew asserts.

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