With reference to Kanika Datta’s article, “The hard-working Indian” (December 15), the fact that more than 54 per cent of Indian employees prefer a vacation to a pay rise; that 40 per cent of employees voice their dissatisfaction about not being able to utilise their legitimate vacation days because of hectic work schedules or other reasons, paint a gloomy picture about work-life balance.
It has been scientifically proven that a power nap during the day sharpens the brain and makes us healthier. This means a break in between hard-working days can boost the efficiency of an employee. The bonus is that his or her spouse and children would also be satisfied.
Indians seem to enjoy their vacations more than people in the West. Giving employees the chance to take a vacation is more sensible than offering them bonus pay to forego it. Companies need to have work structures and manpower planning in place to address this need.
The corporate leader should set an example by going on vacation and let employees follow his or her lead.
Ashok Chakrabarty, Kolkata
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