A survey suggests workers are finding it increasingly difficult to leave work behind while on vacation, and experts contend that correcting the issue is up to the individual, not the employer.
Data from a Monster.ca poll in which Canadian workers were asked how much they work while on vacation shows that 23% of respondents admit to occasionally checking emails and phone messages while on vacation, another 17% said they make themselves available for emergencies only, and 17% said they never stop working. The remaining 43% of respondents said they do not work at all during vacation time.
“Many Canadians seem to be missing the point when it comes to taking holidays,” says Monster Canada vice-president of sales Peter Gilfillan. “We obviously are working harder than ever today and taking time away from the job is important, but it really means cutting links to the workplace in order to relax, something many Canadians seem unable to do today, according to the survey.”
Experts suggest that failing to detach from the office while on vacation can have negative personal and professional consequences, and people need to be diligent about ensuring that work habits don’t encroach on vacation time. “The drug of busyness is very hard to get off of,” says Randall Craig, career and work-life balance expert at Pinetree Advisors, a Toronto human resources firm. “But without those vacations, you won’t be recharged enough to continue the success you’ve had so far.”
He says that it’s in the best interests of the employer to ensure that workers have a therapeutic vacation, and progressive companies have procedures in place to this effect. “The best employers recognize that there’s a war for talent, and making sure employees don’t burn out,” says Craig. He explains that companies should have the onus on them to ensure that their employees fully disconnect while away, but many of the short-sighted ones don’t. “They say that people don’t quit a company, they quit a manager. And the best managers make sure that when somebody goes on vacation there is adequate backup so that staff can recharge.”
Joanna Stefan, organizational services manager at Ceridian Canada, says the findings of the survey illustrate a shift in Canadian culture. “I think we overvalue work, above all else,” she says. “Sometimes people find it more stressful to take a vacation than to just continue working.”
Stefan feels employers should be more proactive in encouraging workers to detach from work while away, but says it is ultimately up to the employee to make it happen. “Remember, the root word of vacation is vacate,” she says. “We should be having a mini-vacation everyday, whether it’s meditating or curling up with a book, but something where we’re not focusing on work responsibilities tomorrow.”
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