Lots of talk these days about “digital” vacations. The term represents two concepts:
Taking a vacation and being disconnected from the digital tools we use at the office.
Taking a break from social media.
I recently had the chance to talk about digital vacations with Joyce Maroney and William Tincup on a Workforce Institute at Kronos podcast. You can check it out here. We each have very different views on balancing technology in our professional and personal lives but we did agree on a couple of things.
Finding time to disconnect is important.
Disconnect the way that works best for you.
That’s what crossed my mind when I saw this infographic from Column Five Media and PGi on working vacations – now termed “workations”. The term doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue but I think we can all relate to the data.
Are you seeing more people working during their vacation? Share your experience in the comments.
Catie Farrow says
I’ve definitely seen an increase in people working from vacation – while I don’t think it’s a bad idea (in fact, it may help people relax MORE, knowing they aren’t missing anything), it’s definitely a good idea to set expectations before departure.
Ann Warren says
I have seen colleagues (myself included) take both kinds, but define them clearly before they take them. “I’m really going to try to disconnect, so I won’t be checking email. Sue is going to cover for me.” And I’ve also taken these kinds: “I’m taking a long weekend, but if you need me, just call my cell phone. I’ll be checking email a few times throughout the day, too.” I think as long as you’re upfront about the type of vacation, colleagues respect that.
Sharlyn Lauby says
Thanks for the comments!
I couldn’t agree more. It’s all about setting expectations. That’s equally true when it comes to everyday responses. I once did a focus group for a company where they wanted to know the customer expectation to answer an email. Customer response: 1 day.
The thing was, they were killing themselves trying to answer everything in 10 minutes. Knowing and setting expectations can really make a world of difference.
josh says
It also depends on the environment in which you work ==> for many entrepreneurs, especially at the beginning, the lines between where the person ends and the business begins are very blurred. As owner managers, they may bring this ethos to the rest of their business.