Employees’ ongoing struggle to balance work with time off is significantly impacted by their boss, according to the latest employee engagement study released by Randstad US. Randstad's survey found more than 39% of US employees don't believe their bosses encourage them to take allotted vacation days, and 45% said their bosses don't help them disconnect from work while on vacation.

Other results from the study include:

• Vacations can be stressful: Nearly half of employees, 49%, feel stressed after they return from vacation. In fact, 46% say they worry about work while on vacation.
• Hold the vacation: More than 1 in 3 employees, 38%, believe taking fewer vacations makes them look better in the eyes of their boss.
• Change of plans: More than 1 in 3 employees, 36%, have had to cancel vacation plans due to work.
• Money does not (always) buy happiness: More than 1 in 4 employees, 28%, would rather have a better boss than a $5,000 raise. Happiness is so important that more than 1 in 3 employees, 36%, would give up $5,000 a year in salary to be happier at work.

“It's essential employees feel empowered to take a break from their jobs, and managers should take note of these study findings to determine whether their company's culture truly supports and allows the opportunity for this,” said Jim Link, chief HR officer, Randstad North America. “There is no doubt taking time off to unwind is healthy and ultimately better for the organization.”

Randstad’s employee engagement survey was conducted online by Ipsos on behalf of Randstad US. It included 2,279 employed adults and was conducted from June 10 to June 26, 2015.