When was the last time you thought to yourself, "I need a vacation,"? If you're like most vacation-deprived Americans, you could use one right about now. The only problem is that many Americans claim they don't have the money right now. With Outski's 401(play)™, not having funds saved will never be a problem. In an Outski world, everyone can have enough money set aside to take a trip at any given time.
401(play)™ is a means of having funds transferred directly from your paycheck into an FDIC-insured Vacation Savings Account (VSA) in your name. You choose the amount or percentage to be transferred each month.
In addition to keeping you healthy, investing in a vacation strengthens relationships, and makes for better employees. If you've been sticking it out for that promotion, perhaps the best thing you could do is take some time off to travel. Employees often return from trips feeling refreshed, relaxed, and more creative.
The best part about 401(play)™ is that you aren't paying money to someone else, the way you do with your gym membership or health insurance. All that money you're setting aside goes directly into your personal VSA, to be used at your discretion.
If you are interested in a 401(play)™, but the program isn't at your company yet, encourage your employer to add it! This is the easiest employee benefits program to implement, and it can reap some of the greatest rewards not just for you, but for your employer as well. If your employer does not offer 401(play)™ yet, but you would like to participate, you may also sign up as an individual by filling out the direct deposit form. This is located in the Travel Savings tab of your Outski account. For more details about 401(play)™, visit our 401(play)™ FAQs page.
Before you go get your employer to sign on for 401(play)™, help us out by answering our mini poll:
- How many paid vacation days did you leave unused last year?
- If your company provided you with a 401(play)™ option as part of your benefits package, would you participate?
- How do you think 401(play)™ could improve workplace culture?
Let us know in the comments section below!
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1) 15
ReplyDelete2) Yea
3) It seems like it would be in the employers benefit to encourage growth outside of the workplace. People would probably be content and more in tune with themselves and the world around them. We certainly don't have everything just right in our culture and although work life balance is more encouraged in the work place I think it still seems like a good idea.
1. 5
ReplyDelete2. Yes, It is a great incentive to budget. As that is often one of the Deterrent of taking time off
3. Yes, this would increase the morale. As it will improve life/work balance. We all need vacation for mental health.
None, being a waitress they don't give you payed Vacation !
ReplyDeleteI'd participate happily.
ReplyDeletethank you so much! i love all these creative ways to budget. we really need to learn how!
ReplyDeleteI'm a SAHM I never get days off :)
ReplyDeleteonly my husband works we can never take a vacation
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good program if you can take your vacation days from your job all at once. When I was working, they wouldn't let us take more than 2 days at a time because I worked in an industry where the company's employees were on call all the time.
ReplyDeleteOnly a fool would not participate, we all think we'll never retire, it's much easier to imagine vacatioing
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the idea! I want to start NOW!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete1.) 0
ReplyDelete2.) yes
3.) make it more secure and not have to worry about the future so much.
How many paid vacation days did you leave unused last year? NONE
ReplyDeleteIf your company provided you with a 401(play)™ option as part of your benefits package, would you participate? Definitely
How do you think 401(play)™ could improve workplace culture? We all need to have that family time and finding the money for it with a large family is difficult
Sounds like a great program!
ReplyDeletemy husband gets two weeks off a year. having a saving plan in place is a great idea! we don't have to scrape for money whn it is is time to travel...the money will already be there.
ReplyDeleteI used up all of my vacation last year. I my company participated in a 401(play), I think I would participate. I think the workplace would be a better place if workers got to take a vacation every year!
ReplyDelete1 - 0
ReplyDelete2- yes
3 - it would improve workplace culture bu just being a great plan that everyone could use
I would save for a vacation to the Florida Keys
ReplyDeleteI think the 401play is a good idea because sometimes it's difficult to save for a vacation. I would take my kids to Disney.
ReplyDeleteThis would be amazing! My work does not currently offer this but if they did, I would use it for sure!
ReplyDelete1.How many paid vacation days did you leave unused last year? 10
2.If your company provided you with a 401(play)™ option as part of your benefits package, would you participate? Yes.
3.How do you think 401(play)™ could improve workplace culture? It would give people something to look forward too and therefore increase workplace joy. :)
1- I am not working out of the home right now.
ReplyDelete2- No they did not offered it.
3-I think is a great motivation and definitely a great idea, if I ever have that option I would certainly go for it. We want to take a family trip to Spain and this would be a great option to save for it!
1) I used them all
ReplyDelete2) I would particpate
3) I think it would promote a culture where taking vacation is encouraged and not slacking
this is an AWESOME idea!! what a great way to save automatically
ReplyDeleteI am self employed so I don't get any paid vacation but this sounds like a great idea. Everyone needs more vacation time!
ReplyDeleteA great way to save up for my next vacation.
ReplyDelete1-0
ReplyDelete2- yes
3- this is something everyone could use. It would be a great way to not have to worry about vacation funds.
I have always wanted something like this. I'm guessing it has to be through your employer? Because I would absolutely do it. I can't believe that going on vacations reduces your chance of a heart attack by 50%. Not good news for me since I've never taken one!
ReplyDeleteI don't have any unused days at work, I would totally participate in it and if vacationing reduces your chance of a heart attack, it probably also reduces stress which is beneficial to everyone at work.
ReplyDelete1. 0 days
ReplyDelete2. yes
3. reduce stress, keep people happy and therefore productive, great work environment, people might work harder
This is awesome. Such a great thing!
ReplyDelete1-10
2-Yes,Definitely!
3-I think this would be a great incentive and so great for all of the hard working employees who dedicate their life to this job. I think everyone deserves this!
#1- lots of days
ReplyDelete#2 yes
#3 healthier and happy peopel
- shaunie
It is sometimes difficult to save so this could be a good option.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest I think it's a great idea especially if the employer would participate. I think they could take it a step further and offer discount vacation option ideas for the dates you put in for vacation.
ReplyDeleteI didn't use about a week last year. I think I would participate. I think this would be a great way to encouarge relaxation, and have happier employees.
ReplyDelete1. 0
ReplyDelete2. Yes!!! :)
3. It would improve the environment a lot. No matter where you work or what you do, it can be very intense. Everyone has bills, stress, etc. so this is much deserved/needed. I love in the post where it says, "In addition to keeping you healthy, investing in a vacation strengthens relationships, and makes for better employees."
How many paid vacation days did you leave unused last year?
ReplyDeleteMy husband didn't use all of his up, but they rollover, so it's not like he loses them
If your company provided you with a 401(play)™ option as part of your benefits package, would you participate?
We probably would, sounds like a great way to save for a vacation!
How do you think 401(play)™ could improve workplace culture? Yes, it would lessen stress and provide a happier environment
1. 0
ReplyDelete2. Yes
3. I think it would improve workplace culture by everyone knowing that they have the opportunity to take a vacation every year.
self emplyed and I do nto take nearly enough vacations!
ReplyDelete1. 10 days 2. of course 3, I think it would help create employee retention within the business.
ReplyDeleteI did not know there was such a plan available.
ReplyDelete1. 5 days
ReplyDelete2.Yes..
3.This would be fab if we had this the morale and less stress at work would make everyone happy...
I'm retired so this wouldn't work for me.
ReplyDeleteslehan at juno dot com
1- 0
ReplyDelete2- yes i would participate
3 - i think it would help morale and if they matched in any way it would make people more motivated to work and stay with the company
1. 4
ReplyDelete2. Yes
3. Workplace culture would improve from an overall increase in morale!
This is such a great idea! I agree that taking a vacation is an investment in your health.
ReplyDeletePoll answers:
1. none
2. yes!
3. It would boost morale.
1) Five
ReplyDelete2) Yes
3) It would promote morale. People feel better about a company when they offer more than just a paycheck.
This is really neat! Great view point!
ReplyDeleteThis was really an eye opener! Definitely things to think about after reading this.
ReplyDelete0.yes.recharge your self
ReplyDeletewhen I was working I hated to miss work, and I know it was bad for my health because I was in my 40s when I became disabled and my health has been going south ever since. People you need time off - take it.
ReplyDeleteVacation for my health, sounds good. Deb P
ReplyDeleteI am retired.
ReplyDeleteWe're retired so we can travel anytime we choose. Loving it.
ReplyDeleteIt's true more americans do less vacations and their stress level goes way up. There is always too many things that need doing.
ReplyDeleteI am a stay at home mom so I can't answer these questions but I think this program is a wonderful way to have the money needed to take a vacation without ever really missing it since it comes directly out of your check. I wasn't aware of this program until reading this post. Thanks so much.
ReplyDelete1. 0
ReplyDelete2. yes
3. sounds like an awesome idea for lowering stress
(1) None
ReplyDelete(2) Yep
(3) It would be great to have something like this in place
Well I am unemployed currently so I had zero vacation days..pretty much have been a SAHM for 25 years but hoping to get find a job that I enjoy asap! This 401 Play option would be awesome .. and if it ever was I would definitely use it for these 3 places: London, England .. Redwood City, California (to visit my bff) .. & also Stockholm, Sweden--another of my dream destinations..oh, I need to add anywhere in Maine to this list as well, maybe Moscow, Maine where another friend of mine lives :)
ReplyDeleteI used all of my vacation hours last year as I took maternity leave for 9 weeks.
ReplyDeleteMy company doesn't offer this, but if they did, I would definitely put a little into.
Nathansmommy619(At)Aol(Dot)com
This sounds like a great idea. I've always wanted to go to Iceland.
ReplyDeleteGreat concept! This would be the only way we would ever have enough money for a vacation!
ReplyDelete1: zero, I don't get them
ReplyDelete2:yes
3:I think it would raise employee moral
1) Zero
ReplyDelete2) Yes, I would participate
3) I think anything relating to vacation would boost employee morale.
O
ReplyDeleteYes
Boost employee morale
zero sounds like a great idea, I would love to find a way to save money for vacations.
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of this type of fund before. What a great idea. Everyone needs a vacation even if it is a staycation away from work to participate in things one enjoys for relaxation. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletesounds like a great idea
ReplyDeleteNot working due to disabilities, but will certainly share the information with my Family members. Great concept!
ReplyDeleteat the moment I am a stay at home mom but my husband always has left over vacation days not used so this account would be great.
ReplyDeleteas a caregiver, this isn't relevant to me as I don't get vacation days (much less sick days either), but a great idea for those who do!
ReplyDeleteI don't get vacation. :(
ReplyDeleteI'd absolutely participate if my company did! I think having something like this to look forward to, would get people excited about earning it!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
This fund is amazing. I need a vacation. I like the savings.
ReplyDeleteI would love for our company to add this plan! I feel like such focus is on work work work that we need to rejuvenate and take a vacation more often during the year! I would love to bring this up at one of our meetings! :)
ReplyDelete1. 1/2 day
ReplyDelete2. yes
3. It's an idea so you can actually travel.
1. none
ReplyDelete2. yes
3. A great way to make saving simple
SAHM so no vacay days ever
ReplyDelete1.2
ReplyDelete2.yes
3. make it easier to afford a vacation.
This is a wonderful idea and if its taken out of your check yopu dont notice it and out of reach and you cant take out as easy as at my bank.
Great idea and unique new service to offer. I need a vacation for sure!
ReplyDeletethis is such an awesome idea!
ReplyDelete1. none
2. most definitely yes
3. employees would be happier knowing they're actually saving money for vacation!
It has been three years since my husband and I have been on a vacation. the 401(play) plan is an awesome idea.
ReplyDelete1. My husband had about 12 left over.
ReplyDelete2. Yes
3. I think a program like this would boost morale. People like to know that their money and time are going to be used well, so why not on a vacation. Tho type of program takes all the guess work out of trying to save yourself. I would definitely participate in this type of program.
love to budget
ReplyDeleteWe didn't have any left over we took a week off in December to use all our unused.
ReplyDeleteYes I wold love it if they offered this.
I think this program would give families more incentive to save up vacation days instead of just 'calling in sick' to use left over days.
1. I used them all!
ReplyDelete2. Yes, I definitely would.
3. It would definitely boost morale in the office because they would feel more valuable and appreciated as employees.
Sounds pretty great!
ReplyDelete1) I Never leave a paid vacation day unused 2) Yes, I would participate 3) Employees are more productive when they feel they are being taken care of
ReplyDeleteI used to have a real problem maxing out on my accrued vacation days. Every time I'd take time off there would be some emergency I' get called in on. (don't miss that job!!!)
ReplyDeleteComment FROM Lauren Bailey:
ReplyDelete1. One Week
2. YES!
3. Everyone would be more relaxed and actually get to save properly to enjoy life!
If I was still working I'd love this plan
ReplyDeleteHow many paid vacation days did you leave unused last year? 7 days
ReplyDeleteIf your company provided you with a 401(play)™ option as part of your benefits package, would you participate? definitely yes
How do you think 401(play)™ could improve workplace culture? it would give people peace of mind the next time they go on vacay especially financially less stress.
wonderful idea and plan!!!
ReplyDeleteHow many paid vacation days did you leave unused last year?
ReplyDeletenone but they were staycations only
If your company provided you with a 401(play)™ option as part of your benefits package, would you participate?
heck yeah!
How do you think 401(play)™ could improve workplace culture?
it would help people stress less
How many paid vacation days did you leave unused last year? 0
ReplyDeleteIf your company provided you with a 401(play)™ option as part of your benefits package, would you participate? yes
How do you think 401(play)™ could improve workplace culture? Employees more content with their jobs.
1. You don't get any as an ABA Therapist
ReplyDelete2. Absolutely
3. Working towards a goal for a much needed vacation is important. Knowing your employer is helping you achieve that goal will help boost morale
I love the idea
ReplyDelete1. 0
ReplyDelete2. YES
3. Everyone gets excited about vacation and love to talk about their travels. It would be fun to have those conversations instead of the cost of health care or other boring subjects.
I think this would be a great access in planning a vacation. I don't personally get any vacation days. If employers were involved in helping to attain vacations it would certainly raise moral. I wiuld use this for my family's Christmas Vacation
ReplyDeleteI wish I had paid vacations. I am still considered a temp where I work..so until they bring me on permanent no paid holidays for me
ReplyDelete1. I left non unused.
ReplyDelete2 Yes.
3. Allows everyone to relax more.
This sounds like a great program for employers to offer. I personally am a SAHM but it would be great for my husband to have.
ReplyDelete1. 4 days(rolled over)
ReplyDelete2. Yes
3. I think by offering 401(Play), employers would encourage employees to use their vacation days to rejuvenate, which would reduce burnout and increase productivity.