As millennials increasingly strive for work-life balance, time-offs and vacations are not always seen in good regard and encouraged by bosses generally at work.

According to Randstad US’ latest Employee Engagement study, it found that more than one-third of U.S. employees (39%) don’t believe their bosses encourage them to take allotted vacation days, and almost half (45%) say their bosses don’t help them disconnect from work while on vacation.

Also an alarming 41 percent believe that work-life balance is impossible to achieve. The study found the relationship between employees and employers is a vital factor that influences both vacation etiquette and overall workplace happiness.

HR managers who proactively maintain positive relationships with employees and encourage them to utilize allotted vacation time are more likely to boost company morale, reduce turnover and increase productivity, all of which can positively impact a company’s bottom line. The study further unveiled some facts such as:

• Vacations can be stressful: Nearly half of employees (49%) feel stressed after they return from vacation. In fact, 46 percent say they worry about work while on vacation.
• Hold the vacation: More than 1 in 3 employees (38%) believe taking fewer vacations makes them look better in the eyes of their boss.
• Change of plans: More than 1 in 3 employees (36%) have had to cancel vacation plans due to work.
• Money does not (always) buy happiness: More than 1 in 4 employees (28%) would rather have a better boss than a $5,000 raise. Happiness is so important that more than 1 in 3 employees (36%) would give up $5,000 a year in salary to be happier at work.

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“It is essential employees feel empowered to take a break from their jobs, and managers should take note of these study findings to determine whether their company’s culture truly supports and allows the opportunity for this,” said Jim Link, Chief HR Officer, Randstad North America. “There is no doubt taking time off to unwind is healthy and ultimately better for the organization.

Employees’ ongoing struggle to balance work with time off is significantly impacted by their boss. “Vacations make for more productive and engaged workers, and yet 42 percent of employees don’t believe their employers help them achieve work-life balance and 39 percent don’t feel their managers encourage them to utilize vacation time—therefore, bosses who proactively encourage workers to unplug, unwind and truly leave work behind to enjoy time off will be looked upon as workplace heroes.”

With a tough economic landscape and unemployment rates still high, it’s no wonder that employees think twice about taking a vacation. Fear of missing out at work—whether a client meeting or a work function—or of being passed over for a new project often acts as a deterrent against taking time off. Yet the toll that working year after year without a break takes can be just too great.

Employees get burned out, ideas get stale, and your company may run the risk of losing employees who cave in to the stress. Therefore, bosses and HR managers should create favourable policies encouraging employees to take some time off from work and promote vacation policy to help retain talent.

Also read: Bringing More Freedom into Your Workplace