8 Tips To Embrace National Leave The Office Early Day!

Imagine this: you're sitting at your office desk, staring longingly at the clock as the minutes tick past. Outside, the weather is tempting, and darkness will set in a few hours. You can't help but be upset when you realize you spend your entire day at work, from early morning until late at night. But then, a glimmer of hope appears as you remember that today is special. It's National Leave The Office Early Day, a day set aside for anyone who wishes to leave the office before the regular clock-out hour.

When Is National Leave The Office Early Day Celebrated?

On June 2, the United States observes “National Leave The Office Early Day” every year. On this day, everyone ensures that they are out of their workplaces before the usual closing hour. But what is the history of this holiday, and why is it observed? In this blog, we will dive into the significance of this special day, why it matters for employees, and how HR can play a pivotal role in celebrating and promoting the day. So, buckle up, and let's explore how "National Leave the Office Early Day" can make a real difference in your organization!

The History Of National Leave The Office Early Day

Do you find yourself working for long hours while feeling fatigued and burned out? You're not alone, though. According to studies, Americans work longer than Europeans, with the typical 8-hour workday becoming a myth in many organizations. But don't worry! There is a day that can assist you in breaking the cycle of overwork and tiredness. It's called the "National Leave the Office Early Day," and it was founded by Laura Stack, also known as "The Productivity Pro®" and author of "Leave Your Office Early."

But the focus of this day is not on the getting out early part. Instead, the goal is to leverage the potential of time management, productivity, and efficiency of employees. By utilizing these factors, one can get excellent outcomes in less time. It allows the employees to minimize work hours and focus on a better work-life balance.

(This special day has been around since 2012, but we are unsure about the exact date and year.)

Let's look at how promoting "National Leave the Office Early Day" benefits your employees and your organization.

Benefits Of Celebrating The National Leave The Office Early Day

1. Prioritizes employee happiness

As an HR professional, you have the power to convey a strong message to your employees that you genuinely care about their well-being. By promoting "National Leave the Office Early Day," you boldly state that you prioritize your employees' health and happiness.

Read our guide on: Employee Happiness: Why Happy Workers Are Productive Workers

2. Commits to a better work-life balance

Work-life balance is more than a buzzword; it is essential to living a meaningful and healthy life. By supporting "National Leave the Office Early Day," you emphasize the importance of striking a careful balance between work and personal commitments. You encourage your employees to take time away from work and engage in activities that will help them relax both physically and mentally.

3. Puts people first

"National Leave The Office Early Day" is more than simply a day of celebration. It's more about putting people first. By publicizing this day, you demonstrate to your employees that they are more than parts of the corporate wheel; they are humans with lives outside of work that deserve your attention and care. You are fostering a culture that prioritizes people over production, which speaks volumes about your company's dedication to your employees.

4. Boosts employee morale, engagement, and productivity

When employees feel supported and valued by their employer, their morale rises, and so does their engagement and productivity. Thus, encouraging "National Leave the Office Early Day" can contribute to a strong work culture in which employees feel valued and appreciated. Thus, resulting in increased job satisfaction and productivity.

Read our blog on: Employee Engagement: Creating A Engaging Work Culture

5. Empowers your employer's brand

In today's competitive labor market, standing out as an employer of choice is essential. That's where "National Leave the Office Early Day" comes in as a one-of-a-kind and effective opportunity. By pushing this day, you may distinguish yourself as a forward-thinking organization that values a people-first approach and culture. The end result? Your efforts in improving recruitment numbers are positive while increasing the retention rate in a supportive and employee-friendly environment.

Hence, celebrating "National Leave the Office Early Day" can unleash the power of your employer brand, distinguishing you in the talent market and establishing your company as a top pick for top talent.

8 Simple Tips To Celebrate The National Leave The Office Early Day

1. Promote and communicate

Make employees aware of "National Leave the Office Early Day" by using internal communication channels like email newsletters, posters, and intranet announcements.

2. Lead by example

As HR, set the tone by leaving the office early on this day and encouraging your team colleagues to do the same. Set an example by demonstrating the organization's dedication to work-life balance.

3. Recognize and appreciate

Source: Vantage Rewards

Thank employees participating in "National Leave the Office Early Day." Acknowledge and appreciate their efforts and contributions to achieving a healthy work-life balance. This can be accomplished through team meeting shout-outs, personalized notes, or other tokens of appreciation.

4. Develop a favorable culture

Create a positive culture that values and respects work-life balance. Urge team leaders and managers to encourage employees to take time off and celebrate "National Leave the Office Early Day" without feeling guilty or penalized.

5. Organize a team-building activity

Get a group of coworkers and enjoy the sunshine at a baseball game. Have a meal together. Throw a BBQ. Make an effort to bring your team closer together. The simple goal is to keep work and business away from them throughout that time period.

Read our blog on: 38 Quick and Easy Team Building Activities Your Employees Will Love (+How to Play)

6. Have coffee with another founder or someone interesting in your network

There is no denying that if you are a company owner or manager, you don't really have much free time when at work. There's always something to do, somewhere to go, and a problem to solve. Yet, "Leave the Office Early Day" is the ideal excuse to take some spare time and organize a face-to-face meeting with another founder or someone interesting in your network. Have a seat and talk over a latte. Or share thoughts and experiences while playing a sport. You never know; a brief conversation may lead to the introduction of your next co-founder, a supervisor, or an all-star marketing guru for your business.

7. Give them the guidelines

Before leaving early, provide staff with recommendations on how to plan their work and duties successfully. Provide assistance and tools to employees to manage their workload and meet any deadlines or commitments.

8. Follow up

Following "National Leave the Office Early Day," confirm that employees could take time off and manage their work-life properly. Encourage them to share their experiences using feedback forms or pulse surveys and use their recommendations to improve future work-life balance projects continuously.

FAQs

1. What inspired the creation of National Leave the Office Early Day?

A. National Leave the Office Early Day was created to promote work-life balance and encourage individuals to take time away from work to relax and participate in activities they like.

2. Is National Leave the Office Early Day a nationally recognized holiday?

A. National Leave the Office Early Day is not a nationally recognized holiday. It is a day of observance or awareness, not a mandated day off from work.

3. Is it true that all businesses observe National Leave the Office Early Day?

A. National Leave the Office Early Day participation is voluntary; not all companies may participate. The policies determine it and the practices of the company.

4. Is it possible for employees to take a whole day off on National Leave the Office Early Day?

A. A full day off on National Leave the Office Early Day is subject to company policies and the employer's approval. It is not a normal day off.

5. Can employees be punished for taking National Leave the Office Early Day off?

A. It is determined by the company's policies. There may be penalties or consequences if an employee takes time off on National Leave the Office Early Day without following the company's processes for requesting time off.

6. Can businesses make employees work on National Leave the Office Early Day?

A. Employers have the right to establish their own work schedule regulations, including requiring employees to work on National Leave the Office Early Day unless local labor laws or employment contracts forbid it.

This article is written by Susmita Sarma, a digital marketer at Vantage Circle. She was involved with media relations before shifting her interest to research and creative writing. Apart from being a classical music buff, she keeps a keen interest in anchoring and cooking. For any related queries, contact editor@vantagecircle.com