In corporate culture, "cash is king" is often the default mindset for rewards. However, a study published on 4/2 suggests that managers should reconsider this approach.

The research team, led by Professor Sanford DeVoe from the Anderson School of Management (University of California, Los Angeles), found that receiving extra days off instead of cash bonuses helps employees feel less like production tools and more like complete individuals with their own lives.

In researchers' terms, time off helps employees feel more "human." Professor DeVoe stated, "The feeling of being treated as a human being is closely linked to job satisfaction, company engagement, improved colleague relationships, and reduced intent to leave."

Time off as a reward has been shown to make employees happier. Photo: WSJ

To demonstrate this, researchers surveyed 1.500 people, asking them to recall how they felt when receiving a cash bonus versus paid time off. On a 7-point scale, cash bonuses averaged 5,04 points. Paid time off, however, scored 5,4 points.

"The numerical difference may seem modest, but it represents a significant psychological shift," DeVoe explained. "It's the boundary between feeling neutral and feeling truly understood as a person."

In another experiment with 500 participants, results showed that those promised time off as a reward had clearer expectations of separating work and personal life. This psychological distance from work was a key factor in making them feel respected.

However, the benefits of time off vanish if bosses remain in contact. In a third experiment, 200 people were asked to imagine being on vacation and receiving messages. One group received messages from friends, while the other received messages from their boss. Results showed that the "feeling human" index for the group contacted by their boss dropped to 4,1, significantly lower than the 5,4 for the other group.

"This demonstrates that even minimal work intrusion can erase the psychological benefits of a vacation," Professor DeVoe emphasized. "The issue isn't just leaving the office; it's about work truly letting employees go."

The study concluded that for managers aiming for sustainable productivity, granting employees periods of complete disconnection is a powerful lever, sometimes even more effective than the figures in their bank accounts.

By Bao Nhien (According to WSJ)