Workers often want holiday leave but still feel pressure to stay connected to work. Virginia Tech organizational behavior expert Bill Becker says the problem often begins with unclear communication about expectations. Employees tend to overestimate informal expectations and take cues from leaders and coworkers.
Becker recommends that managers state expectations clearly before people leave for vacation and anticipate what information or work they need from the employee. Employees should be able to fully detach from work while on leave and should raise important deadlines, meetings or client needs early.
Teams that discuss schedules and responsibilities before vacations can reduce last-minute problems. Employees with important clients should provide support ahead of time and arrange alternate support if necessary. Becker also warns that checking email during non-work time can be detrimental to well-being, so leaders should enforce expectations to allow real disconnecting.
Difficult words
- expectation — What others want or require from someoneexpectations
- overestimate — To think something is larger or more important than it is
- anticipate — To think about and prepare for something before it happens
- detach — To stop thinking about or being involved in work
- detrimental — Causing harm or damage to someone's well-being
- enforce — To make sure rules or plans are followed
- disconnect — To stop contact with work or electronic messagesdisconnecting
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever felt pressure to check work while on holiday? What did you do and why?
- How could a manager make expectations clearer before your vacation? Give one or two examples.
- What personal steps can you take to fully disconnect from work during leave?
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