Encouraging Time Off: Why Rested Employees Are More Productive

In the ag world, hard work is worn like a badge of honour—and for good reason. Seasons don’t wait, and there’s always something that needs doing. But even the most resilient team can’t run on empty forever.

What if burnout is costing you more than an extra set of hands?

The Business Case for Time Off

It may seem counterintuitive, but encouraging your employees to take time off can boost—not hinder—productivity. Numerous studies have shown that rested employees are more engaged, make better decisions, and are more likely to stay with a company long-term.

Employees who regularly take vacation time return with improved focus and creativity. They’re also less likely to make costly mistakes or suffer from absenteeism due to stress-related illness.

In other words, time off is a performance enhancer.

What Happens When Employees Don’t Take Time Off

When employees push through season after season without adequate rest, the warning signs are easy to miss—until they’re not. Burnout can manifest as low morale, disengagement, irritability, and even safety issues on the job.

Beyond the individual impact, an overworked employee affects the team. Stress spreads, tensions rise, and turnover increases. The cost of constantly replacing worn-out workers can add up fast.

Why It’s Often Hard in Agriculture

We understand—agriculture doesn’t always allow for flexible vacation schedules. Between weather windows, labour shortages, and the sheer volume of work during peak seasons, taking time off can feel impossible.

There’s also a deeply ingrained mindset in ag communities that values hard work above all else. For many, “toughing it out” is seen as a badge of honour. But today’s reality demands a more sustainable approach.

Creating a Culture That Supports Time Off

Here’s the good news: supporting time off doesn’t mean compromising your business. It means planning ahead and being intentional.

• Lead by example. If management never takes time off, employees won’t either.
• Cross-train your team. Build flexibility by ensuring others can step in when someone’s away.
• Normalize rest. Talk about it. Celebrate it. Make it part of your culture.
• Check in often. Encourage open conversations about burnout before it becomes a crisis.

Conclusion: It’s Time to Rethink Time Off

A well-rested team isn’t a luxury—it’s a strategic advantage. Encouraging time off not only supports your employees’ well-being, but also improves retention, performance, and long-term productivity.

If you’re wondering whether burnout is costing you more than an extra set of hands—it probably is. That’s where we come in. At Grasslands Recruitment Specialists, we help you find the right people so your team doesn’t have to choose between getting the job done and getting the rest they deserve.