Well, maybe. But a happy and adequately-vacationed workforce is surely going to be more productive, so the loss might be less than it seems (citation needed here, admittedly).

And I guess it might mean a few extra jobs, which surely can't be a bad thing.

By all measures I've seen, the U.S. workforce is dramatically more productive than the European workforce. I suspect the amount of time spent working is a significant factor in that.

Per worker, not by hour worked, where I believe I've seen [citation needed] at least the French and likely others have us beat.

That reinforces his point, I'd think.

Would it? With the current level of unemployment, having companies forced to hire more people might be a good thing.

Good point.

Everything I've read indicates productivity improves when you have employees who take vacation. I really like the idea of shutting down for a few weeks per year (in addition to normal vacation time, whatever policy that is). Shutting down means nobody is looked down on for not being there.