THE QUIET VACATION EPIDEMIC: WHY WE’RE ALL SECRETLY STRESSED ABOUT PTO

Summer’s here, the sun is shining, the beach is calling... but are you answering? If you find yourself sneaking peeks at work emails during your "time off," you're not alone. Welcome to the phenomenon of "quiet vacationing," where the fear of unplugging has replaced the carefree joy of summer getaways.

So, what exactly is quiet vacationing? It's when employees take vacation time without officially informing their managers or colleagues, often using remote work setups to disguise their absence. According to a recent survey from Inc, nearly half of all employees plan to engage in quiet vacationing during the 4th of July week.

It's a perplexing paradox: we crave time off, yet we're afraid to fully embrace it. This is usually due to some combination of fear of falling behind, the ambiguous nature of unlimited PTO, and the always-on work culture that blurs the lines between personal and professional time. Millennials, in particular, seem to be the most hesitant to take a break. A recent survey from CNBC reveals that nearly 4 in 10 say they’ve taken time off without communicating it to their manager.

The purpose of this blog isn't an expose on employees that are off emailing from the coast of Italy, but rather about how employers can build a culture where their employees feel comfortable taking time off and not being judged for doing so (that’s so passé). 

The root of “quiet vacationing”

Unlimited PTO might sound like a perk, but it often leads to more questions than answers. ‘How much time is too much?’ ‘Will I be judged for taking 2 weeks off?’ This ambiguity creates a culture of fear,  where employees feel pressured to always be available, even when they're supposed to be recharging.

For Employers: How to combat “quiet vacationing”

The good news is that some companies are taking proactive steps to address these concerns and create a more supportive vacation culture. Here’s how your company can too:

Mandatory minimums: Setting a minimum amount of vacation time encourages employees to take the time they need without worrying about being judged.

Team-wide breaks: Scheduling company-wide closures or encouraging teams to coordinate vacations helps normalize time off and alleviate the pressure to be constantly available.

No-contact policies: Establish clear guidelines around communication during time off, such as limiting emails or turning off notifications.

Lead by example: When managers and leaders prioritize their own vacation time and model healthy work-life balance, it sets a positive example for the rest of the team.

As we dive into the summer months, employees should ditch the quiet vacationing trend and embrace the full glory of guilt-free time off. A true vacation isn't just about changing your location; it's about shifting your mindset. So, put down the phone, grab a good book, and give yourself permission to fully unwind. 

Remember, a well-rested employee is a happy and more productive one. By addressing the fears and uncertainties surrounding vacation time, companies can work to create a healthier, more transparent culture that benefits everyone.