Summer is around the corner, but many professionals plan to keep their nose to the grindstone, new research from staffing firm Robert Half shows. According to a survey of more than 1,000 U.S. office professionals:
- Summer vacation time shrinking: 28% anticipate taking fewer days off in the summer months compared to last year because of COVID-19; 16% are taking more time off.
- Workers have wanderlust: 37% will save their vacation time for later in the year in hopes of traveling.
- Burnout may be around the corner: 14% feel they have too much on their plate to use vacation time.
- Saving money is on the mind: 22% would like to take a vacation but are spending less due to the pandemic.
- Self-care is important: 20% will take mental health days but not travel for leisure.
“Now more than ever, it’s important for workers to take time off to avoid burnout and help manage stress,” says Sasha Truckenbrod, Madison branch manager for Robert Half. “The pandemic has created new types of stress that everyone is trying to navigate — between staying safe and healthy, sheltering in place for months, homeschooling children, taking care of parents or other family members, and losing out on many of our daily activities.”
While Truckenbrod doesn’t fault the 37% of workers who are saving their vacation time for later in the year in hopes of being able to travel, she emphasizes it’s important to take some time off now, even if you’re not going anywhere, to have a break from work and return refreshed and energized. “Even taking one day off can help tremendously with improving mental health.”
With more people than ever working from home these days, sometimes it can be difficult for workers to disconnect from work at the end of the day, especially when the lines are blurred between home and work. Truckenbrod notes that it’s important for workers to create a set start and end time and take breaks during the day, as well as disconnect at the end of the day and resist the urge to check email.
“Also, if you take days off, plan to have a co-worker as your backup so you know things are taken care of,” advises Truckenbrod. “Stay away from your work email while you’re on vacation, even if it’s a staycation. You need that time to take a break, recharge, and bring a fresh approach to business projects and challenges [when you come back].”
Professionals may need a nudge to unplug
While one-quarter of workers (25%) reported their employer or manager has encouraged them to take time off since the pandemic began, 66% said there has been no communication about using vacation days. Further, 9% revealed they’ve been discouraged from taking time off from work. “It’s understandable that some employees may be nervous about taking time off right now,” says Truckenbrod.
Often, the culture of an organization is set by its leaders’ behaviors, so managers should lead by example and use their vacation days, Truckenbrod notes. She recommends creating a clear vacation policy and encouraging staff to take time off from work.
“Many professionals are grappling with heightened career, financial, and health concerns brought on by the pandemic,” adds Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half. “Teams are running lean, and employees have more on their plates. Managers should encourage employees to fully disconnect from work to focus on themselves and family and avoid burnout.”
Sings of worker burnout can include:
- Incomplete work, decreased productivity, lower quality of work, and mistakes;
- Missed deadlines, which could also be a sign of too much work; and
- Negative attitudes, in which case managers should try to find out the root cause — are they feeling overworked or are they dissatisfied with their job or the company?
So, how can workers make their time off as seamless as possible during a stretch of time that’s been all about upheaval?
Get on the calendar. Discuss your vacation schedule with your boss early.
Find a backup. Determine who can handle your tasks while you’re away. Make sure to provide your stand-in with the information needed to perform your duties.
Let others know. Tell key contacts when you’ll be out and who can help them in your absence. Include your point person’s contact information on your voicemail and email notices.
Have a reentry plan. On your first day back, start a little early or clear your morning schedule so you can check messages and refresh your memory on assignments.
Click here to sign up for the free IB ezine — your twice-weekly resource for local business news, analysis, voices, and the names you need to know. If you are not already a subscriber to In Business magazine, be sure to sign up for our monthly print edition here.
