14 Scientific Reasons to Disconnect This Holiday Weekend [Infographic]

This is a busy time of year no matter what industry you are in.

Maybe you’re trying to get those end-of-the-year reports in, close some last-minute sales, or if you’re in content strategy and creation like me, typing feverishly to publish some traffic and lead gold before the clock strikes 12:00 on New Year’s Eve.

But, while this is a crucial time of year for professionals, personally, it is also a very festive one when lifelong memories are often made.

Are you working through this holiday weekend? Here are 14 scientific reasons to unplug this weekend -- and any weekend you can.

So fun fact: Here at IMPACT, we close our office for the week between Christmas and New Years.

Now, before you say we’re crazy, we work tirelessly during the entire quarter to be able to do this and if we don’t manage to get something done, we’re more than happy to jump online, but I digress.

During this time, some people travel, some just sleep in...Whatever we end up doing, this week is a valuable opportunity for our team to disconnect from their work routine, de-stress, and come back to the office recharged in the new year.

We all know the benefits of taking a break from work and establishing a healthy work-life balance, yet, according to a report by FTI Consulting, 81% of American workers say they are required to be in contact outside of working hours.

If you’re one of the millions working this weekend (or most weekends), NetCredit has compiled 14 scientific reasons you need to start disconnecting in the infographic below.

Some of the infographics highlights include:

• An additional 10 hours of vacation improves employee year-end performance ratings by 8%
• The benefits of vacations usually fade within 2-4 weeks
• Long hours can double your chances of major depression
• Job stress costs American business around $382 billion/year in illness, absenteeism, and reduced productivity
• Working more than 11 hours a day doubles men’s chance of a heart attack