Have you ever been the victim of vacation shaming?

Only, like, every single day, amirite?

Indeed, Canada has a guilt-trip culture around taking time off from work to enjoy life. In fact, two-thirds of Canadians don’t take their full legally-allotted vacation time, which is already very bad. This is according to a recent survey by Skyscanner, a company which would very much like it if you went on holiday.

The culprit, you won’t be surprised to learn, is vacation shaming. Half of those surveyed say they have been made to feel guilty by their bosses or colleagues for taking time off work.

Imagine: you’re only entitled two weeks of paid vacation per year. And then – and then! – you’re supposed to feel about it. Isn’t it bad enough that you can’t take a sick day?

Like existential dread, the feeling is worse for Millennials: nearly two-thirds (62%) of respondents say they’re victims of vacation shaming. Quebec, of course, has no qualms of telling the office to kick rocks. Just 21% of Quebec works report feeling bad about taking days off.

Vacation time isn’t just a matter of recreation. It’s a matter of mental health.

“Many of us assume that taking time off will negatively impact our career trajectory, but evidence suggests employees that take their vacation have increased productivity, creativity, and decreased stress and risk of burnout, making them more likely to get promotions and raises,” said Dr. Lisa Bélanger, an expert on behavioural change.

“Ultimately, the payoffs are significant for both the employer and the employee.”

I hope you have a boss who agrees.