Harvard Business Review: Why People Who Take Vacations Get Promoted More Often

Chuvic - July 21, 2025

For decades, the prevailing workplace myth has been that working longer hours and skipping vacations signal dedication and ambition—qualities supposedly essential for climbing the corporate ladder. Yet, mounting evidence is turning this notion on its head. Recent research, including a widely discussed article by Harvard Business Review, suggests that employees who actually take their vacation time are more likely to receive promotions. This revelation is sparking a new conversation about the real drivers of professional growth. Are breaks from work a hidden ingredient for career success? Let’s explore why stepping away from your desk might be the smartest move for your future.

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1. The Real Numbers: 6.5% vs 40%

Data from the Harvard Business Review study tells us that there is a 6.5% increase in the likelihood of receiving a promotion for those who use all their vacation time. This statistically significant boost challenges the idea that skipping time off is a smart career move.

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2. The 30% Advantage for Vacation Takers

Beyond promotions, vacation time also correlates with higher chances of getting a raise. According to findings from Project: Time Off, employees who take 11 or more vacation days per year are over 30% more likely to receive a raise than those who take less time off.
This striking figure highlights that regular breaks aren’t just restorative—they are also linked to tangible career and financial benefits.

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3. Project: Time Off Partnership Study

A landmark study by Shawn Achor in partnership with the U.S. Travel Association analyzed data from over 5,000 U.S. employees to uncover the effects of vacation time on career trajectories.
This comprehensive research, part of the Project: Time Off initiative, found a clear and positive relationship between using vacation days and career advancement. Their findings have fueled a deeper discussion in corporate circles about the strategic importance of taking time away from work.

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4. The 65.4% vs 34.6% Success Rate Split

The Project: Time Off study tracked employee outcomes over three years and revealed a striking divide: 65.4% of vacation users received a raise or bonus, compared to only 34.6% of those who forfeited their time off.
This dramatic difference, documented in the Project: Time Off Power of Vacation Report, underscores the real and measurable career rewards of taking regular breaks from work.

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5. The Happiness Advantage Effect

Taking vacations doesn’t just replenish energy—it can spark what psychologist Shawn Achor calls the Happiness Advantage. His research demonstrates that happier, more engaged brains are up to 31% more productive and can boost sales by 37%.
According to Achor’s findings, time off helps employees return to work with greater creativity, focus, and motivation. These effects translate directly into measurable performance gains, as outlined in his book, The Happiness Advantage.

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6. The Recovery Period Necessity

Contrary to the old belief that more hours equals more success, modern research underscores the critical role of recovery periods.
Regular breaks—including well-used vacation days—are essential for maintaining peak cognitive function and emotional resilience. The American Psychological Association notes that time away from work helps lower stress and prevent burnout, enabling employees to return refreshed and more capable of sustained high performance. Recovery isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for long-term achievement.

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7. Manager Perceptions of Vacation Benefits

Research shows that attitudes at the management level are evolving. According to data from Project: Time Off, 31% of managers now recognize a clear link between employees taking vacations and increased happiness, while 21% associate vacation time with a boost in productivity.
This shift signals a growing awareness that time off is not only good for employees—it’s good for business performance as well.

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8. The Energy Return Investment

Well-planned vacations yield a measurable return in energy and morale. According to Project: Time Off, 94% of employees reported returning to work after a good vacation with greater happiness and renewed energy.
Notably, over half of these employees felt even more energized than before their break. This “energy return on investment” translates into increased focus, creativity, and workplace satisfaction.

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9. The $61.4 Billion Free Labor Problem

Unused vacation days don’t just affect individuals—they have a staggering economic impact. According to Project: Time Off, Americans forfeit hundreds of millions of vacation days each year, amounting to $61.4 billion in free labor donated to employers annually.
This lost value reflects not only missed personal benefits but also a systemic issue that impacts workforce morale, productivity, and the broader economy.

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10. The Voluntary Pay Cut Reality

When salaried professionals forfeit their paid vacation days, they’re essentially accepting a voluntary pay cut. Project: Time Off’s research highlights that millions of Americans leave earned time off unused, translating into lost wages and benefits.
This phenomenon disproportionately affects workers who mistakenly believe that skipping vacations demonstrates loyalty. In reality, unused vacation is money left on the table—an economic loss for employees that goes unrecognized by many organizations. Read more on CNBC.

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11. Work Martyr Syndrome Backfires

Many employees fall into the trap of “work martyr syndrome”—believing that never taking time off will earn them recognition or fast-track their promotion. However, research and real-world examples show this mindset often backfires.
Instead of being rewarded, these employees risk burnout, decreased productivity, and even negative perceptions from managers who value balance and well-being. As highlighted by Forbes, chronic overwork is rarely a ticket to advancement.

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12. The 768 Million Unused Days Crisis

The scale of unused vacation in the United States is staggering. In a recent year, American workers failed to use a collective 768 million paid vacation days, with more than 55% of employees not taking all their earned time off.
This crisis, reported by USA Today, highlights a widespread problem with significant implications for both workforce well-being and organizational productivity.

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13. The American Vacation Decline

Over the past two decades, Americans have been taking fewer and fewer vacation days. In 2000, the average U.S. worker used 20.3 vacation days per year, but by 2015 that number had dropped sharply to just 16.2 days. This trend, detailed by MarketWatch, reflects changing workplace cultures and growing pressures that discourage employees from fully utilizing their earned time off.

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14. No Federal Mandate Reality

people doing office works — Source: Photo by Alex Kotliarskyi on Unsplash

The United States stands out among developed nations for its lack of a federal law guaranteeing paid vacation. While most European Union countries require a minimum of 20 paid vacation days by law, American workers’ access to paid time off depends entirely on their employer’s policies. This stark contrast, highlighted by BBC Worklife, shapes attitudes toward time off and adds unique pressures to the American workforce.

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15. The Guilt Factor: 54% Feel Bad About Time Off

Guilt is a powerful force behind America’s vacation underutilization. Survey data reveals that 54% of U.S. employees feel guilty about taking their paid time off, fearing negative judgment or repercussions from coworkers and managers.
As reported by CNBC, this guilt-driven hesitation keeps many from enjoying their earned breaks—perpetuating the cycle of stress, burnout, and missed opportunities for career advancement.

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16. Manager Communication Gaps

A critical barrier to vacation usage is the communication gap between managers and employees. Many managers fail to actively encourage or even mention the benefits of taking time off, leaving team members uncertain about expectations.
Research from Project: Time Off shows that this silence leads to fewer employees utilizing their vacation days, reinforcing a culture where rest is undervalued and uncertainty prevails.

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17. The Four Elements of Effective Vacations

To truly reap the benefits of time off, research points to four key strategies for an effective vacation.
Plan in advance—having a trip to look forward to boosts happiness before you even leave.
Travel outside your home city—new environments stimulate creativity and relaxation.
Interact with locals—authentic connections foster deeper engagement and joy.
Set trip details before departing—reducing uncertainty enhances stress relief.

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18. The Travel Stress vs. Happiness Correlation

While vacations can boost well-being, high stress during travel can undermine these benefits. Research indicates that 74% of people find planning the most stressful part of traveling, often leading to reduced happiness both during and after the trip.
According to a report from the American Psychological Association, minimizing travel stress through effective planning is crucial if you want to fully enjoy—and maximize—the restorative effects of your vacation.

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19. The Delegation and Trust Factor

Taking vacation isn’t just about rest—it’s also a demonstration of trust and effective delegation. When employees step away and their teams continue to function smoothly, it signals strong leadership and confidence in others’ abilities.
These qualities are highly valued in promotion decisions, as noted by Harvard Business Review. Managers recognize that those who can delegate and trust their teams are better equipped for higher-level responsibilities.

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20. The Fresh Perspective Advantage

man taking photo of hot air balloons — Source: Photo by Mesut Kaya on Unsplash

Stepping away from the daily grind offers a powerful reset for the mind. Time off gives employees the chance to gain fresh perspectives, fueling creativity and enabling innovative problem-solving upon return. Studies have shown that taking breaks from routine work leads to improved cognitive flexibility and job performance. As Inc. reports, exposure to new environments and experiences helps generate original ideas—making vacation a smart investment in both personal growth and workplace success.

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21. The Strategic Career Investment Case

In light of the evidence, it’s clear that taking vacation isn’t just a perk—it’s a strategic career investment. Regular, well-planned time off enhances productivity, well-being, and the chance for promotion.
To make the most of your vacation, plan ahead, communicate your plans to your team, fully disconnect, and use the opportunity to recharge. As the Harvard Business Review findings show, stepping away is not a sign of weakness, but a proven pathway to long-term advancement. Prioritize your time off—and watch your career thrive.

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