Mexico Ranks Low in Employee Vacation Days Among Latin American Countries
Mexico is one of the countries in Latin America where workers take the fewest vacation days compared to other nations in the region, and they fail to achieve a complete disconnection from work during their time off. This leads to increased job stress, decreased productivity, and broader economic impacts.
The Study: Work in Progress 2024 by Buk
According to the study Work in Progress 2024 by Buk, Mexican workers take an average of only four vacation days per year, while the Latin American average is 12.6 days annually.
Cultural Factors and Work-Life Balance
Valeria Vázquez Herrera, an analyst at Buk, explains that Mexican culture, especially in the workplace, prioritizes constant availability and presence. Six out of ten workers admit to engaging in work activities even while on vacation, such as responding to messages and checking work emails.
Importance of Vacation Data for Businesses
Highlighting the issue of insufficient worker rest is crucial for companies to address it, particularly for employee well-being and job satisfaction.
- Stress Reduction: Adequate rest contributes to lower stress levels and increased happiness among employees.
- Productivity and Felicity: When workers are happy, they feel more productive and committed to their jobs. Eight out of ten satisfied employees complete tasks on time and plan accordingly.
- Clear Action Lines: Companies should establish clear policies that prioritize worker rest, ensuring employees understand the process for taking vacations.
Vázquez Herrera emphasizes that this issue affects workers of all ages, indicating a significant cultural element at play.
Preferred Vacation Periods
Buk’s analysis suggests that Mexican workers prefer January and March for taking their vacations.
Promoting a Transparent Work Culture
Jessica Cambray, a labor coach, stresses the importance of companies fostering a transparent culture around vacations. This includes informing employees about benefits like the vacation premium, encouraging them to exercise their rights without fear.
