TED Talks Daily Sunday Pick: The Science of Recharging on Weekends and Vacations | ReThinking with Adam Grant
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Jul 6, 2025 
In this insightful discussion, Shashank Nijam, Founder and CEO of SimpliFlying, shares his journey in implementing mandatory vacation policies to combat employee burnout. He and Adam Grant delve into why many employees underutilize their vacation days, and the importance of embracing intentional breaks for rejuvenation. They explore the psychological benefits of hobbies and mastery activities, emphasizing that time off should be a source of joy and fulfillment. Stories from diverse cultures highlight the power of vacations in enhancing workplace well-being.
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Vacation Boosts Creativity
- Employees at SimpliFlying returned from breaks more productive, creative, and happier.
- An Excel-loving employee gave best ideas post-vacation, showing revitalization effects.
Vacation Benefits Others Too
- Consider how taking time off benefits your family and colleagues to increase likelihood of using vacations.
- Framing breaks as investments in others' well-being motivates more vacation use.
Permission to Rest Freely
- Baiba Dremon felt permitted to rest guilt-free because everyone took their mandatory time off.
- Seeing collective rest normalized disconnecting fully from work communications during breaks.
