More employees working from the beach: Is that good?
July 28, 2008 by Sam NarisiPosted in: Employee computer use, Special Report, Telecommuting
Technology’s made it easy for many employees to work anytime, anywhere. For a lot of them, that means working while they’re on vacation.
A lot of employees are staying productive while they’re away this year, according to a recent survey by CareerBuilder. More than a quarter (27%) plan on working while on vacation.
Why? About 16% of employees feel guilty about taking time off, and 7% are afraid of losing their jobs after taking a vacation. Also, almost 10% said their bosses expect them to do some kind of work during time off.
Some employees have even taken to lying in order to get a clean break from work — 11% of workers admitted to making up stories about bad cell phone signals and lack of Web access to explain why they couldn’t call the office or answer e-mail.
What employees can do
Of course, the big question for employers: Is this a good thing? Checking in occasionally, through e-mail or phone, is probably harmless and can help employees relieve the anxiety of being away.
When actual work is done, then problems can arise. Everyone knows time off is good for mental health — and 77% of the workers surveyed by CareerBuilder admitted to feeling “burned out” at work.
Plus, in some states, employees are required by law to pay employees for any time they don’t use — in those cases, it’s often better for everyone if employees just take the time.
What about employees who need a break but feel like they can’t take it? Here’s some advice managers can give their workers:
- Set expectations — Tell co-workers and supervisors what you will and won’t be doing. For example, if you won’t be reading e-mail, make that clear. Then you won’t be expected to respond to anyone.
- Keep yourself available — If possible, give everyone a way to contact you in case something really serious comes up.
- Cross-train — Find people who can do some of your essential tasks when you’re gone — and, of course, offer to return the favor when those folks take time off.
- Plan ahead — Make plans known as soon as possible and get extra work done early, if necessary.
We’d like to hear from you. Do your employees work when they’re away from work? Do managers expect them to? Is it a good or bad thing? Let us know what you think by dropping us a comment below.
Tags: cell phone, e-mail, staying connected, vacation, working during vacation
July 29th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
One weeks vacation - don’t write, don’t call don’t check. The pont of vacation is to get away. Week two - those of us back in the office would appreciate if you check in, just in case you changed the password to the payroll acount and forgot to tell anyone. Give direction to solve any major crises and go back to your vacation. Things like leave of absence for an extended period - we really want our key people to keep checking in. Too much still rides on what’s in their brain.
July 29th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Although it is common, even prevalent, it is not encouraged nor expected that team members will check email or phone messages while on vacation. We all know the CEO will do it, and one of the VPs, but really, most everyone else actually “vacates”…. on the flip side, we all have the cell phone numbers of our team members, and if a real crisis were to occur, we can reach anyone anytime as long as they are in cell range…
July 29th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
I worked for many years (25+) with a fellow manager who NEVER took vacation, who was in the office on weekends. What did he get after all that time? Downsized with the rest of us and many years of missed opportunities with his family.
I think it’s important that people be able to take time off without have to constantly stay connected. I agree with this article. As someone who is routinely not in the office on Fridays, I’ve made it a habit to check my e-mails/voicemail to stay current with what is happening. My supervisor has my phone for those emergency situations that can’t wait. When I’m on vacation with my family - no computers come with us no matter where we go.
July 29th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
In our world of cell phones, blackberry’s and laptops it is not easy to completely escape when on vacation. I am always accessible by my Blackberry, which is also my cell phone, but I do not normally carry my laptop with me on vacation. I do not expect my employees to be accessible by cell phone or otherwise while they are on vacation and it is not necessary that they check in–unless there is a specific time-sensitive matter that needs their attention. Vacation should be vacation!
July 29th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
on the flip side…what is the employee is using “working from vacation” just to stretch out his/her vacation time. how do you handle a situation like that?