South Africa was placed 7th in the world in the list of hardest-working countries, with the average work week consisting of 43 hours. And, that’s excluding the time we use to check emails or finish off a project at home, after hours. Add the lockdown, homeschooling and additional stress that comes with facing a global pandemic, and it’s no wonder that most of us are desperately in need of a break. The good news, according to Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts, is that a decent break is well within reach this year, especially if you strategically combine weekends, public holidays and your Annual Leave. In fact, he says “If you use the public holidays wisely you could possibly gain an additional 25 days off, including a beautiful 6-day stretch over Easter and 12-day stretch over Christmas!” Shaun shares these simple holiday hacks that will see you making magical, lasting memories with your family starting as early as this month: Human Rights Day: 21 March Holiday Dates: 19 March – 23 March Day’s to take leave: Friday, 19 March; Tuesday, 23 March Days off:
- 2 days leave
- 5 days off
Easter: 2 – 5 April Holiday Dates: 1 April – 6 April Day’s to take leave: Thursday, 1 April; Tuesday, 6 April Days off:
- 2 days leave
- 6 days off
Freedom Day: 27 April Holiday Dates: 23 April – 27 April Day’s to take leave: Friday, 23 April; Monday, 26 April Days off:
- 2 days leave
- 5 days off
Youth Day: 16 June Holiday Dates: 12 June – 16 June Day’s to take leave: Monday, 14 June; Tuesday, 15 June Days off:
- 2 days leave
- 5 days off
National Women’s Day: 9 August Holiday Dates: 6 August – 9 August Day’s to take leave: Friday, 6 August Days off:
- 1 days leave
- 4 days off
Heritage Day: 24 September Holiday Dates: 23 September – 27 September Day’s to take leave: Thursday, 23 September; Monday, 27 September Days off:
- 2 days leave
- 5 days off
December Holidays: 16; 25-26 December Holiday Dates: 16 December – 27 December Day’s to take leave: 17 December; 20-24 December Days off:
- 6 days leave
- 12 days off
“Sometimes, when we’re overwhelmed at work, we think that working harder is the solution, when in fact the opposite rings true. Taking a mental and physical break is possibly the best way to re-energise your body and mind so that you’re more productive when you get back to work! So, start planning your next break now, put in your leave and then sit back and enjoy the excitement that comes with anticipating your next holiday!” Shaun concludes. 
