A recent visit to Madrid reminded me of just how good city life can be. The sophisticated metropolis seemed a perfect balance between Old World and modern values. People were friendly with big hearts and at ease as they went about their business, and yet the urban center was full of vitality and industriousness.
For that reason, I was surprised to learn that Spain intends to stop its workers from using vacation days to link mid-week holidays with the weekends. By eliminating these “bridges” to lengthier periods of rest, leaders hope to make the nation’s economy more competitive and efficient, and the economy certainly needs reviving as Europe and the world struggle during these difficult times.
My experience suggests that the outcome of their new rules may be dissappointing. When I lived in Asia throughout the 1990s I was struck by the generous time off during major holidays, and the many long weekends we enjoyed throughout the year. The time away from business meetings and hard work was replenishing. We returned to our tasks refreshed and eager to make progress. Without those pauses, I very much doubt that we would have been more productive.
And many members of Spain’s workforce apparently agree, according to a Wall Street Journal story titled “Spain Plans to Burn Its Bridges to Keep Vacationers on the Job.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204652904577197201966972844.html The workers say that small islands of rest time help them make it through the year.
All of us who own and operate businesses understand that it is not easy to remain competitive and profitable. We are in a constant state of flux as we make adjustments to the ever-changing winds of commerce.
Yet as we all lend a hand to keep the world moving forward, I hope we will not forget that living a good life is far more pleasing and socially productive than merely working from dawn to dusk to make a living.
