Why do so many U.S. workers feel guilty about taking hard-earned vacation?

By Karen Tan, Assistant Professor of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Middle Tennessee State University

“My dedication was questioned.”

“Managers or upper management have looked down upon taking time off.”

“People think that maybe you’re not as invested in the job, that you’re shirking your duties or something.”

These are just a few of the responses to questions I asked during a study I conducted on vacation guilt among American workers.

More than 88 percent of full-time...