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| More Americans Abandoning Vacation Time |
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| 4/1/2007 |
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ROBIN'S PERSPECTIVE: The topic of Americans abandoning vacation time comes up annually as weather peaks, and the busy travel season kicks into high gear. With advanced communications gadgets making us accessible around-the-clock, the thought of hitting the off button (if only temporarily) is intimidating for employees. According to a recent survey by Expedia.com ®, working Americans are expected to abandon four vacation days this year -- one more day than last year.
In a culture where being overworked is seen as both a ‘badge of courage’ as well as a source of anxiety, we need to create ways to manage our workloads and still get away to restore ourselves.
Employees who are overworked are more likely to make mistakes at work, to be angry with their employers, and to resent coworkers who don’t work as hard as they do.
Whether it’s worrying about falling behind or simply the fear of being replaced, the deliberate forgoing of vacation time is a case of office obsession. Employees are confusing dedication with fixation, only to wind up suffering from professional burnout.
Employees can take these simple steps to facilitate a steady take-off and smooth landing to and from the office while on vacation:
-Inform others in advance: Let co-workers and clients know of your vacation time as soon as you plan it, and send a reminder of your absence as the dates approach. Advise clients whom they can contact when you are away.
-Have a buddy system in place: Get projects to a good stopping place before you leave, and ask a trusted colleague to serve as a back up in case any urgent problems arise in your absence. Be sure to return the favor.
-Schedule around busy business cycles; and
-Relax! Try to incorporate a few activities into your vacation to get your mind away from work.
With proper planning and a positive perspective, employees can take back their vacation time worry free and return to the office rejuvenated and revived.
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