Establishing guidelines to prevent work from ruining a holiday getaway
Taking a Break: Setting Boundaries with Work During Vacation
In today's digital age, disconnecting from work during vacations can be a challenge for many. Occupational psychologist Marais Bester explains that the constant availability provided by devices like laptops and smartphones makes it hard for people to truly switch off, even during holidays.
Amanda Olsen, for instance, turns off her cellphone's alerts and notifications during backpacking and multi-day canoeing trips in the Adirondacks. Katie Walley-Weigert, a marketing professional, lets her current and potential clients know that she'll be offline for a few days during vacations.
Experts advise that workers can set boundaries with work during vacation by communicating their time off in advance, blocking their vacation days on shared calendars, and setting automatic replies that state they are not checking messages until they return. Preparation is key, and they recommend finishing urgent tasks ahead of time and blocking off time before leaving to tie up loose ends. Additionally, turning off work notifications and avoiding checking emails or work apps can help fully disconnect and enjoy personal time.
Some people temporarily delete work apps such as Slack or email from their phones during vacations. If being unreachable is not an option, setting a time to check work emails and notifications once in the morning and leaving the phone behind for the rest of the day is recommended.
Employers can show a workplace that recognizes the importance of time off and a commitment to workers who struggle to pay for vacations by offering corporate discount programs for airlines or cruises. Leaders can encourage these steps to improve the chances of vacationing without interruptions.
A manager or executive who immediately answers calls and emails, or checks in with employees instead of unplugging while on vacation, sends the message that the people working under them should do the same. Amy Biedenstein, senior vice president at Dayforce, stated that some people carve out time by feigning illness to skip group outings during vacations due to this pressure.
Biedenstein also mentioned that there's pressure from families to be focused during vacations. She suggests waking up early and getting in an hour of work before family vacations to manage work while still spending quality time with family. However, it's advised to assess what needs to get done a week in advance to reduce last-minute cramming before vacations.
Walley-Weigert, now a freelancer, regretted missing her toddler's introduction to the ocean due to work. She had to pack her computer for a podcast interview with an executive during her 15th wedding anniversary beach vacation.
In conclusion, taking a clear break to recharge, refocus, and take your mind off the daily stresses of the workplace is extremely healthy. By following these key steps and encouraging family or travel companions to support focus on personal time, workers can truly disconnect and enjoy their hard-earned vacations. Employers can also support this by limiting after-hours communications, offering flexible schedules, and encouraging employees to truly log out during their PTO.
- To ensure a relaxing home-and-garden lifestyle during vacation, Katie Walley-Weigert suggests setting automatic email replies and notifying clients about her absence, allowing her to fully disconnect and enjoy the peacefulness of her holiday.
- One way employers can support workers' lifestyle balance, particularly during travels, is by offering corporate discount programs for airlines or cruises, thus making vacations more affordable and helping employees maintain a work-life equilibrium.
