How Much Does Vacation Matter?

Members of the Senate and Congress are on summer breaks all over the world, visiting war zones as well as ancient ruins and sunny beaches. President Barack Obama is doing his best to get a much-need break from the burdens of office, taking his family to Martha's Vineyard. But less than half the American workers entitled to vacations are taking their full time. Many say there's just too much to do, or they're afraid of losing their jobs. Whatever happened to “mental health days?” Doesn't time off help prevent burnout and increase productivity? Would requiring vacations be a kind of healthcare reform, in addition to boosting the tourist economy?