Taking time off from work has real benefits to one's physical and mental health. it is hard to believe that many people don't take all the vacation time owed to them even when it may be as little as one to two weeks per year.

According to the HR Reporter there are potential legal liabilities for not taking vacation. If someone feels their job is so important or stressful they can't take time off, there is clearly something wrong, and the employer needs to step in to lessen the person's workload. The employer may also need to provide guidance on effective time management and prioritization, or provide the necessary training - either to the employee concerned, or if she is a manager, to her direct reports so they can be more independent and proactive.

Failure to deal with such situations can cause high levels of stress, anxiety and burnout, and can ultimately lead to increased absenteeism, workers' compensation claims, sick leave, bullying, harassment and constructive dismissal litigation.

Also, depending on the length of vacation entitlement, employers that allow employees to forgo their vacations may be falling afoul of employment laws. Employers with a "use it or lose it" policy with respect to vacation time may also find they are contravening applicable legislation and/or individual employment contracts or collective agreements.