Next week, much of Europe will head out for the August holiday. The American worker is offered far less paid vacation days and some none at all. Yet most Americans don’t even take all the vacation time they have earned!

Why is there this cultural disparity in how we view work – and are there cutting edge companies encouraging vacations and work/life balance? Can vacation enhance workers health, improve productivity and strengthen the family bond? We talk to takebackyourtime.org, and Julie Cohen about ways to make your vacation work in your career and personal life.