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VACATION VEXATION
Some workers are feeling a little grey when it comes to their vacation
time away from work. According to a new survey by staffing
firm Accountemps, more than half of Canadian professionals (52
per cent) feel they don’t have enough vacation time.
Some reasons professionals aren’t reaping the full benefits of
time off:
■■ Thirty-six per cent said they were worried about their
colleagues absorbing their workload
■■ Thirty-eight per cent said they were concerned about the
amount of work that would await them when they returned
■■ Thirty-six per cent of workers admitted to checking in with the
office at least once or twice a week while on vacation
“The ability for professionals to completely disconnect from
work, even while on vacation, is a growing challenge as a result
of the accessibility offered by technology,” said Dianne Hunnam-
Jones, Canadian president of Accountemps. “Workers need to
recognize that taking the time to unplug is essential for their own
wellbeing, allowing them the chance to return refreshed and better
motivated.”
Hunnam-Jones says that managers should make their own
vacation time a priority in an effort to encourage their teams
to do the same. “Empower your employees to avoid burnout by
cultivating work-life balance through your own ability to disconnect
and recharge.”
Accountemps offers five tips for maximizing time away from
the office:
1. Cultivate a vacation-taking culture. Managers should create
an atmosphere where employees feel motivated and encouraged
to find work-life balance and recharge.
2. Plan ahead. Let your manager and colleagues know about
your vacation plans well in advance. If necessary, your supervisor
can bring in temporary professionals or arrange for
others to cover during your absence. Block off time on your
first day back to meet with your manager about critical updates
and catch up on calls and emails.
3. Assign delegates. Clarify to your manager, colleagues and
other contacts who will take the lead on key projects while
you are away. These back-ups can keep work progressing in
your absence. Managers who delegate during vacations can
also evaluate whether the second-in-command might be
ready to assume more responsibility in the future.
4. Disconnect from the office. Try to unplug completely while
away to get the greatest benefit from your vacation. Managers
can help by setting a good example themselves while out of
the office. If checking in is necessary, establish one short window
each day when you’ll be reachable, and stick to it.
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12 ❚ SEPTEMBER 2016 ❚ HR PROFESSIONAL