In Sweden, taking 5 weeks of summer vacation per year is common, and longer holidays are said to boost creativity. The article explains the difference from Japan and its background.
In Sweden, collective agreements and the Annual Leave Act allow people to take 5 weeks of vacation per year. A major difference from Japan is that it is common to use all 5 weeks as summer vacation.
How people spend their 5 weeks off varies, and the article introduces accounts covering post-vacation boredom, time with family and the impact on work. As an example, it cites a colleague’s view that it is about right to be unable to remember the computer login password after the summer vacation.
The well-being benefits vary significantly depending on how the vacation is spent, and people who create time to mentally detach from work are said to experience greater benefits. Vacations combining exercise, social activities, travel and time at home reportedly produce strong effects.
People who are not accustomed to taking long vacations may need time to feel the benefits. Many people avoid opening email while on vacation, but it is considered necessary to share this practice in advance.