Summer is the perfect time to take a break and recharge, but many people neglect to take their Paid Time Off (PTO). TERRIO Physical Therapy and Fitness ensures our staff use their PTO, even during some of the busiest times for their facilities, because we understand that a break to recharge is essential for everyone’s mental and physical health.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), we are at higher risk of stroke (35% higher) and dying from heart disease (17% higher) if we work long hours without taking time off to recharge and rejuvenate. We all tend to operate on autopilot when we are doing the same things over and over, and PTs and OTs are just as susceptible to this trait as any other employees. A vacation takes our brains out of autopilot mode and off our normal routines and allows us to be stimulated by the new experiences and to rest and be fully present, increasing our mindfulness and improving our well-being.
The Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial, a nine-year study of over 12,000 men showed that the frequency of annual vacations reduced their risk of all causes of mortality, especially mortality attributed to coronary heart disease (CHD). The more stress you have in your life, the higher your risk of CHD and other health issues. Vacation time is proven to reduce stress, because it gives you time to decompress and relax from any work stress. PTs and OTs can develop work stress just like any employee and are more susceptible to that during busy times when they may be working long hours or have higher caseloads. Since spring and summer can be busy in the physical therapy industry, PTO during this time is important for employee health.
Physical therapists and occupational therapists should make sure that whatever employer they choose to work for values their health and ensures they are provided with PTO. TERRIO understands the importance of PTO for our staff’s well-being, which is why TERRIO ensures that our team of PT and OT staff are sufficiently staffed and work together to ensure they can provide coverage for their teammates to use their PTO. TERRIO also knows that time off work will also increase productivity and improve the performance of our staff, so they will be gaining more valuable employees when they return from their PTO. Making their team stronger also motivates them to back each other up when the next employee wants to use their PTO.
TERRIO Physical Therapy and Fitness is focused on not just providing the highest quality of care for our patients but ensuring the health and wellness of their staff. Come work for TERRIO, where you will be encouraged to use your PTO and numerous other benefits to become a better PT or OT.