According to Pew Research Center, more than 4 in 10 U.S. workers don’t take all their paid time off. When employees are asked why they don’t take all of their time off, some reasons are more common for others. For example:
- 52% say they don’t feel they need to take more
- 49% say they’d worry about falling behind at work if they took more time off
- 43% of workers who don’t take all their time off say they’d feel badly about their co-workers taking on additional work
What can employers do to address these concerns and encourage their employees to take that much-needed time off to rest and recharge?
At San Diego Foundation (SDF), we have been redefining what a healthy company culture and workforce means to us. Starting in 2021, we gave our team a paid week off to rest and recharge in preparation for the new fiscal year. This decision prioritizes team members’ well-being, helps reduce stress and promotes a healthier work-life balance.
Providing this opportunity for our team aligns closely with our Strategic Plan and our commitment to improving mental and behavioral health to create resilient communities. This is critical to sustaining the important work we do at SDF and for the San Diego community.
We will continue to focus on building a diverse, inclusive and results-oriented workplace — one that encourages people to bring their authentic selves to work and fosters a mentally healthy environment for all employees.
SDF team members also have the opportunity to demonstrate the organization’s values through direct service during volunteer days or participating in local events, such as the San Diego Pride Parade on July 20, 2024.
Marching with Pride: Our Commitment to Inclusion
For the first time ever, SDF marched in the San Diego Pride Parade – a vibrant celebration of love, acceptance and equality. Our team, adorned in rainbow colors and big smiles, walked the streets of Hillcrest with pride and joy – reinforcing our commitment and diversity in all aspects of our work.
Participating in the Pride Parade means a lot to us. At SDF, we are dedicated to building just, equitable and resilient communities. It aligns with our core values of supporting all people, all partners and our region.
We advocate for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) community through our grantmaking and scholarships – including the groundbreaking Rainbow College Fund scholarship. For nearly 50 years, SDF has granted $1.8 billion to nonprofits committed to ensuring everyone in San Diego prospers, thrives and belongs in our community.
The energy of the parade was palpable and uplifting. We are so proud to be a part of a collective spirit and unity!
SDF has been recognized as a San Diego Union-Tribune Top Workplace for four consecutive years. It is no surprise that SDF has an incredible team and values the importance of sustaining a thriving work culture.
