Time off works better than researchers used to think. A meta-analysis of 32 studies found that vacations have a large effect on employee well-being, and that the boost does not fade as quickly as an earlier review had concluded.
The study was led by Ryan S. Grant of the University of Georgia, with Beth E. Buchanan of the University of Georgia and Kristen M. Shockley of Auburn University. It was published online on January 20, 2025, in the Journal of Applied Psychology and appeared in the July 2025 issue.
A bigger and better evidence base
A previous meta-analysis had found that the well-being benefits of vacation were small and short-lived. Since then, many more vacation studies have been published. The new analysis pooled 32 studies from nine countries, yielding 256 effect sizes on how well-being changes around a vacation.
The result was a large effect on well-being that lasted beyond the trip itself. Vacation length, national culture and the number of nationally mandated vacation days all shaped how much people gained. Whether people traveled, stayed home or did a mix of both remained unclear.
Longer vacations brought bigger improvements, but people returning from long trips also saw a steeper drop in well-being once they were back at work.
What to do on your time off
A second meta-analysis of eight studies, with 69 effect sizes, looked at what people did while away. Psychological detachment, meaning not thinking about work, and physical activity were the experiences most strongly tied to well-being during and after the break.
The authors conclude that vacation is a more effective recovery opportunity than previous work suggested. Their practical advice, shared through the University of Georgia, is to plan ahead to reduce pre-trip stress and to take a day or two to reacclimate before going back to work.
Study Details:
- Title: I need a vacation: A meta-analysis of vacation and employee well-being
- Authors: Ryan S. Grant, Beth E. Buchanan, Kristen M. Shockley
- Journal: Journal of Applied Psychology
- Publication Date: January 20, 2025 (online); July 2025 issue
- DOI: 10.1037/apl0001262