What Is A Duvet Day? Should Your Company Have Them?

Duvet days are becoming increasingly popular in workplaces as a way to increase productivity. But should companies give employees a duvet day, and what are the benefits in doing so?

What is a duvet day?

A duvet day is a day when an employee does not go into the office, but instead stays at home. This term is typically used in the United Kingdom, where it is common for employers to allow their employees to take a day off work to relax and recharge.

The term 'duvet' refers to a type of bedding that is made up of a quilt and two pillow cases.

While the concept of taking a day off work to relax may seem like a luxury, research has shown that it can actually be beneficial for both employees and their employers.

A study by Harvard Business Review found that team members who took regular breaks were more productive than those who did not. Moreover, another study by Gallup found that employers who offered paid leave were more likely to report lower staff turnover rates.

The benefits of duvet days

While duvet days may seem like a great way to take a break from work, they also offer some major benefits for employers and HR teams.

Giving your employee a duvet day can help improve their mood, creativity, and productivity.

It's a great way to empower your teams to recharge their batteries and come back to work feeling refreshed. If they're feeling stressed out or overwhelmed, taking a day off might be just what they need.

Duvet days might also be a good opportunity to help employees catch up on work that they may have missed while out sick or on vacation.

Among these many benefits, a day off to recharge is a great way for employers to show their employees that they care about their wellbeing and potentially reduce employee turnover.

Which companies use duvet days?

Some companies that have duvet days include big names like Google, Facebook and LinkedIn.

All of these companies allow their employees to take time off for mental health reasons. They understand that everyone needs time to relax and de-stress sometimes.

How to ensure your employees make the most of duvet day

Everyone needs a mental break every now and then. However, to make sure your employees are making the most of your 'duvet day' you should follow these tips:

1. Tell your employees ahead of time. It's always best to let your teams know when duvet day is, especially if it's not for an officially sanctioned holiday. This way, they won't be caught off guard if they need to get in touch with you or want to choose a different day off.
2. Produce a good policy. Having a good policy in place ensures there are no areas for misinterpretation and your employees understand the purpose of the day.
3. Actively encourage them not to work. For some people it's generally difficult to switch off from work. To ensure employees are maximizing their day off they should be resting, having down-time and most importantly not working.

How can you plan a duvet day for your team?

Here are some tips on how to plan a duvet day for your team:

1. Pick a date that works for everyone.
2. Let your team know about the plans in advance.
3. Come up with some fun activities that everyone can enjoy.
4. Make sure they disconnect from work.
5. Encourage relaxation and fun!

Should your company have duvet days?

Duvet days are a recent trend in the workplace, and their popularity is growing. But should your company implement them?

Duvet days can be disruptive if not implemented correctly. Employees may take advantage of the policy and abuse it, or use it as an excuse to avoid work.

On the other hand, they can be a great way to improve team morale and give employees a break from their normal routine. They can also help employers reduce stress and improve productivity.

As with any new policy, it's important to make sure that everyone understands the expectations and how the duvet days will be implemented.

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