My manager was discussing how busy the holiday season is going to be. I feel a bit guilty taking my vacation then, so I've been considering not taking the rest of my vacation days so I can help out with the increased workload - any thoughts on that?

I do have some thoughts - take your vacation, especially if your workplace policy is to "use them or lose them". Even if your vacation days can roll over into the next year, you should still consider taking your vacation this year.

The fact is most employers want employees to take their allotted vacation. According to the Vacation Benefits and Their Impact on the Workplace survey, more than two-thirds of HR professionals either agree or strongly agree that workers who started taking more vacation would experience the following:

• Higher levels of job satisfaction (74 percent)

• Increased productivity (72 percent)

• Improved performance (69 percent)

• Greater engagement (67 percent)

Source: https://www.recruiter.com/recruiting/shrm-survey-90-94-percent-of-hr-pros-see-benefits-of-paid-vacation/

It is far more expensive for an employer to manage burned-out, unproductive employees than it is to work with engaged employees who perform at a high level. A little time off during the holidays is a small price to pay for higher performers.

If you want to support your manager (and earn some points), plan out your vacation well in advance, so your manager can have some time to prepare for your absence. Planned vacations have far less effect on productivity than do surprise requests. 

The final takeaway is your employer provides you vacation for a reason. It helps you, but it also helps your employer. Plan your vacation and take it.

Jack McCalmon is an attorney and an employer as the owner of The McCalmon Group, Inc. He is a commentator, writer, and speaker on employment practice and workplace productivity issues, who has trained thousands of managers and supervisors on these issues.