By Iolee Anagnostopoulou
The concept of quiet vacationing has recently gained popularity. This trend is especially noted among remote and hybrid workers. They are trying to juggle their workloads while maintaining their personal lives. In short, quiet vacationing refers to taking a trip while pretending to still be working. People do this to avoid using up precious vacation days. They also do it to dodge backlash from employers.
The idea is that employees secretly slip away for some relaxation. But they remain digitally tethered to their jobs through emails, e-meetings, and other work duties. This way, they appear to be still “on the clock,” even when sipping cocktails by the pool.
Now, a better question is, why do so many employees resort to this sneaky strategy?
A significant reason is the increased burden that remote and hybrid workers often bear. Since the onset of the pandemic, employees have been given extra responsibilities. They have felt immense pressure to prove they’re not slacking off while working from home.
According to a 2021 McKinsey report,49% of remote workers worldwide reported burnout due to this pressure. This burnout is compounded by inadequate HR support. Many also hesitate to take real vacations. The standard allocation of paid time off (PTO) is usually barely enough to genuinely recharge.
With all that in mind, it’s no wonder a hush trip sounds like a tempting option. But does it actually deliver the hoped-for benefits?
Here are three reasons why quiet vacationing doesn’t work.
Lack Of True Disconnection
The biggest flaw is that it doesn’t provide the necessary mental and emotional break. Although you’re physically away, you’re still connected to work, not allowing your brain to fully unplug. The whole point of time off is to refresh your mind and body. Constantly checking emails, attending virtual meetings, or worrying about a work issue robs you of that.
Without creating clear work-life boundaries, burnout becomes inevitable. In fact, research shows that employees who don’t fully disconnect from work are more likely to experience long-term stress. They often experience anxiety and diminished productivity when they return.
Fear Of Exposure
It’s hard to truly unwind when you’re constantly looking over your shoulder. You worry that your boss or colleagues might catch on. Many employees feel guilty for sneaking away or stress about being found out via social media.
Imagine trying to enjoy a sunset or family dinner but getting an urgent work call you can’t ignore. Even worse, there’s the fear of potential consequences—like losing trust or jeopardising your role. This lingering tension means you never quite get to enjoy your holiday.
It’s A Band-Aid
It can be seen as a proactive response to burnout. However, the actual issue it uncovers is a toxic work culture. When employees feel the need to hide their vacations, it’s a sign of lacking trust between the staff and leadership. Trust is lacking between the staff and leadership. A well-balanced, healthy company should encourage employees to take time off without fear or guilt.
Unfortunately, too many organisations place productivity over employee well-being, which only fuels burnout.
If you feel forced to lie about taking a much-needed break, it’s clear. Your workplace doesn’t value your mental health. Seeking HR support or perhaps looking for another workplace are far better solutions in the long run. This way, you’re dealing with the source of the issue rather than secretly going around it.
Ways To Detoxify Company Culture
It’s essential to recognise that quiet vacationing is a symptom of a larger problem. This issue could easily be alleviated by better company practices around PTO. Instead of punishing employees for taking secretive trips, companies need to examine the policies and practices driving this behaviour.
- Encourage Real Vacations
Leaders should actively encourage employees to take vacations where they can fully disconnect. This means making it clear that it’s not just acceptable but advisable to use PTO without work interruptions. Discussing the benefits of unplugging can help employees. Improved creativity, better focus, and heightened productivity are some of the benefits. This understanding can emphasize the importance of truly stepping away from work.
- Establish Work-Life Balance Policies
Companies should foster work-life balance. This can include setting clear limits on workloads. It also includes having effective rosters to distribute tasks fairly. Scheduling time off far in advance is another step. This ensures employees can prepare for their absence without stress. Policies that limit work communications outside of regular hours can also help employees fully enjoy their time off.
- Recognise Balance, Not Overwork
One reason quiet vacationing occurs is that many workplaces inadvertently reward overwork. Rather than praising those who burn the midnight oil, companies should recognise those who achieve a healthy balance. This could include celebrating employees who take their PTO or finding ways to reward efficient work rather than long hours.
- Managers Should Lead By Example
For any work culture shift to succeed, leaders must walk the talk. When leadership takes genuine breaks from work, it sets the tone for everyone else. They should visibly disconnect during days off and vacations. Managers should ensure their teams use their PTO and unplug when they do.
So, while quiet vacationing might seem like a clever workaround to maximise time off. It falls short of providing the mental health benefits of a proper break. If anything, it often creates more stress and can perpetuate toxic workplace cultures that fail to prioritise employee well-being.
In today’s hectic world, it’s vital that everyone feels safe. They should feel empowered to take time off for themselves openly and without guilt. When companies promote a culture of trust and balance, everyone wins. Employees return from their holidays refreshed and ready for high-quality work. Organisations benefit from greater productivity and lower burnout rates.