I saw a surprising article the other day that suggested fewer workers will be taking time off for vacation this summer. Yes, money’s tighter, and it’s likely we’ll see another summer full of staycations, but a new concern for workers is the fear that their employers will figure out ways to get the job done without them. In other words, that week-long vacation might wind up lasting a lot longer than planned if they return to find their position has been eliminated.
We’ve heard for years now that Americans increasingly have difficulties prying themselves from work for extended periods of time. Expedia’s latest Vacation Deprivation study found that a full one-third of people don’t take all the vacation time allotted to them. And, realistically, how many of the 65% of people who do use their vacation time actually unplug for the duration of their break? These days, more and more employed people are feeling overwhelmed and overworked, so a vacation is precisely what they need to recharge.
Isn’t there some compromise? How are you using your earned time off while maintaining your presence (and value) in the office? I prefer to take many long weekends over one or two week-long trips. 3- and 4-day weekends can be just as refreshing; in fact, you might find them to be less stressful to prepare for, and catching up after 1 or 2 days off is a lot easier than tackling the inbox behemoth that rears its head when you’re gone Monday through Friday.
With the warmer months just around the corner and beaches calling your name, certainly vacation is on the brain. So, what’s your plan? Are you opting not to take any time off? Why not? Or, are you planning an elaborate trip despite the economy?
