When I started with my current employer last year, I assumed that I would get the standard two weeks vacation, which most new hires receive when they start working with a company. But, we all know what they say about assuming, you end up looking like the first three letters of the word ASSume. That is exactly how I looked and felt when I discovered the vacation policy at my company.
Last year, about a month into my job, I discovered that new hires received zero vacation days, that’s right ZERO! I received the standard paid holidays, but as far as vacation there was nothing. To say I was heated is an understatement. If I had known this, I would have negotiated this when the job was offered. My second year is prorated based on last year’s hire date, which means I only get 7 vacation days. How pathetic is this! Today I was talking to a fellow co-worker from Germany. He broke down the vacation days in Germany. The vacation and work hours are as follows:
- 5 to 6 weeks vacation for all new hires
- 14 to 15 paid holidays
- Work 35 hours a week, anything over 35 is considered overtime
I thought to myself, wow that is amazing. It seems that most European countries are generous with their vacation days. I worked with people from Germany and they always manage to get things done even though they work fewer hours and receive more vacation. But here in the US, I have worked with many people who make mistakes and miss deadlines, why, because people are not rested. Since I have not received any vacation this year, I noticed that I have been sick several times and very tired on the job. I usually do not get sick, but when your body is tired and worn down, you are more susceptible to illness. Why don’t these companies get it, when workers are more relaxed and rested the productivity will increase as well as the quality of work.
Two lessons I have learned from all of this is, never assume anything and always ask if you are not certain. In Corporate America, assumptions can cost you benefits that can not be recovered
