Recreational Equipment Inc., commonly known as REI, recently stunned the retail world with the announcement that not only would they continue their years-long practice of being closed on Thanksgiving Day, this year all 143 stores would remain shuttered on Black Friday as well. The outdoor recreation gear, sporting goods, and clothing retailer is paying their 12,000 employees to head outside. REI has invited, and are strongly encouraging, the nation to join in by choosing to #OptOutside and reconnect with family and friends this Thanksgiving holiday.
The announcement went viral and proved to be a hit with customers and the media alike, who praised the company for its decision. The hashtag caught on and soon the sharing of ideas for outdoor places to visit instead of standing in line at the mall commenced.
There is indeed research to back up the wisdom behind flipping the window sign to CLOSED over this long Thanksgiving Day weekend. For starters, this particular celebration may be one of the best to promote within your company, especially when we remember what the holiday is truly about: gratitude. Thanksgiving is about counting your blessings as much as it is about turkey and cranberry sauce and shopping for bargains.
While the link between gratitude and health is not fully understood, research has proven several compelling health benefits that result from an attitude of gratitude. These perks include more and better sleep, less cardiac risk, improved kidney function, reduced blood-pressure and lowered stress-hormone levels. Who knew being thankful was so good for one’s health?
Then there’s the positive influence on work/life balance that a couple days away from the job can produce. Who hasn’t been caught in the occasional tug of war between home life obligations and work responsibilities? Time off that enables employees to spend time with family and friends eases work/life balance issues which in turn reduces stress levels, paving the way for a sense of contentment. And contented staffers don’t scout the area for a new job.
A third clear benefit to a break from the typical work week is the boost in productivity that follows the three R’s—recharge, refuel and reset. A growing body of research reveals that “strategic renewal”—planned times away from the job—allow the mind and body to rest. This “down time” rejuvenates physically and mentally, both of which provide for greater focus and concentration upon return.
Stress and taxing job responsibilities will always exist. Unfortunately, that’s how life works. Yet employers can contribute to their employees’ well-being, contentment and productivity by making time off a priority.
We, at ASJ Partners, hope many of you will celebrate this Thanksgiving with a long, the-doors-are-locked-see-you-on-Monday sign taped to the window. Relax with family and friends and return to the job on Monday, refreshed and rarin’ to go.
