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For many of us, planning a vacation feels like preparing for a battle. No matter how many off days you've accumulated, getting a break approved feels like pulling teeth. And even when it's approved, is it really a break? The office has an uncanny way of creeping into your holidays like a ghost that just won't let go.
It starts with a quick message on Slack or an email marked "urgent", but actually isn't. Or maybe some text messages like "I know you are off, but…" "Just a quick check-in. Can you hop on a call?"
All of a sudden, your vacation days are being spent in Excel spreadsheets rather than on beaches and by the pool rather than with friends and family. And suddenly, your well-organized vacation becomes a business trip. Do you recognize this?
In a world where technology makes everyone accessible at all times, escaping work completely seems impossible. From endless emails to urgent calls that can apparently only be handled by you, it's no wonder vacation days feel like a myth.
Emails keep coming in even while you are thousands of miles away. Message after message floods your email, all screaming for your quick attention. This assault of "email overload" may prevent you from relaxing and fully enjoying your trip.
Then again, think something like, "You have been attentive." You arrive at your desk at exactly 9:00 AM every morning. You never miss a deadline, and in times of chaos, you have even worked late to provide help. You have accrued a respectable amount of vacation days, so that makes sense. You picture yourself making the most of them by doing nothing at all, catching up on hobbies, or spending quality time with your loved ones.
But when you finally dare to request a break from your manager, you are met with a hesitant "Hmm… Let me check if we can manage without you."
Even Some offices have a culture of "vacation shaming," where employees are made to feel guilty for taking a day off. This can lead to a toxic work environment where people are hesitant to request vacations, fearing negative consequences.
In a perfect world, vacations are sacred. You would set your "Out of Office" message and actually be out of the office—mentally, physically, and emotionally. No emails, no sudden calls, no lurking tasks waiting to ruin your trip. Unfortunately, that's not always the reality.
No matter why, employees are now expected to be available at all times in today's workplace. Even when you are miles away, it feels like you are tied to your desk.
Nor did the pandemic provide much assistance. Employers now find it even simpler to contact you from anywhere at any time thanks to remote work, which has blurred the lines between the office and home, despite your "off" days.
Imagine a scenario in which holidays are just holidays. No unexpected calls, no emails, and no guilt. Peace of mind, your family, and a nice book. Isn't that the dream? But it will be an illusion as long as corporate culture continues to seep into our free time.
How, then, do we resolve this? Employers must first acknowledge that vacation time is a required benefit. They are essential. An employee who is burnt out is not productive. Allowing employees to take a well-deserved holiday actually improves their performance over time. Companies have to promote a culture that values taking breaks. When taking time off from work guilt-free and without any disruptions is what is meant to be meant by the term "vacation."
Workers must establish boundaries as well. It may be scary to politely but firmly refuse work during off-peak hours, but it's necessary. Your vacation time is exactly that—your time.