If you work with a global organization, you have likely run into a situation unable to reach your contact in Europe because they are on vacation for several weeks at a time. Some out of office notes may even say that emails received during their absence will be deleted and to check back after they return.
And yet, businesses over there survive and thrive.
So why is this so hard for us in the United States? Why do we feel obligated to be at work or reachable at all times?!
Karla Miller from the Washington Post writes:
“Unlike every other industrialized nation, the United States has no mandatory paid vacation or holiday leave. Workers who have paid leave often don’t take it. And even when we take leave, many of us can’t leave work behind. The technology that lets us work anywhere, anytime, makes it hard to disconnect even when we’re supposed to.
That’s bad for us. Burnout is a leading occupational hazard globally. Stress and overwork in the labor force is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.
A workplace that falls apart when one person is offline is not a functional workplace. An employer that is concerned about quality and productivity doesn’t want decisions being made by someone who is physically and mentally checked-out.”
We have to do better!
Countries that respect and observe time off are successful as well. Our businesses will be fine too. Why not learn from those who seem to have it figured out?!
Next time you plan a vacation, try this:
Announce your absence early
Add a note to your email signature about 1-2 weeks prior to taking time off to allow anyone in regular contact with you to address you with any urgent topics prior to your absence. If you have a proxy, start copying them on relevant topics.
Respect your boundaries
Each time you respond to “just a quick note” you allow your own boundaries to be broken and send a clear signal that you are not really absent.
The out of office note should clearly state when you are absent and if possible, name your proxy who will be able to assist while you are recharging your batteries. If possible, forward you messages to the proxy. Additionally - probably the hardest for us all - stop checking our email!
Designate a proxy
It may be difficult trust anyone else with your projects or clients, or you may be working with a client who insists on working only with you. This may look like job security, but it’s not doing your employer or your client any favors to not have a backup plan. Even if you’re the only one who can do the job perfectly, you can’t maintain perfection without recharging.
Set your proxy up to succeed. If there is no time for formal cross-training, document what you’re working on with clear instructions. Take some time to brief your proxy about a client’s quirks and triggers - just enough to keep the boat afloat while you get some well-deserved rest.
What if you are the boss?
In reality, some positions come with responsibilities that will just not allow to be completely off the grid. Try building an environment where people are cross-trained and have more autonomy. Have a gatekeeper who understands your priorities and will defend your boundaries and knows how to reach you in a true emergency. Lead by example and send the message that it’s ok to take time off. If you don’t, the rest of the team may follow suit only
“A leader who never detaches from work sends the message, intended or not, that no one else should either.”
Enjoy your time off!
You deserve it!