Disconnect to Reconnect

As the sun sets on another glorious summer, we find ourselves in that bittersweet time of year – waving goodbye to beach days, BBQs and the sweet, sweet sound of our "Out of Office" email auto-reply. Yes, folks, the end of the summer holiday season is upon us and if you’re anything like most workers, you’ve probably tried to squeeze every last drop out of these warmer months. But while we may have perfected the art of the weekend getaway and the mid-week “personal day”, it turns out that many of us haven’t quite mastered the fine art of actually taking time off.

LinkedIn’s latest Workforce Confidence survey sheds light on a curious phenomenon: even though a decent chunk of US workers (51%) planned to take time off this summer, a whopping 59% of them couldn’t resist peeking at their emails or jumping on a work call while they were supposedly off the clock. And if that wasn’t enough, more than a third of employees (35%) confessed to feeling guilty for taking time off in the first place! Yes, my friends, it seems the struggle to unplug is real – it’s affecting our ability to truly recharge.

The Unplugging Paradox

Interestingly, this trend cuts across generations, though it manifests differently depending on age. Baby boomers are the least likely to feel guilty about taking time off, yet 61% of them still read emails, answer calls or check in with their teams while on holiday. Gen Xers mirror this behaviour, with the same percentage checking in during their time off. On the other hand, younger workers – Millennials and Gen Zers – are more prone to feeling guilt over taking time off, but they are less likely than their older colleagues to stay connected to work while away. Nearly four in 10 young workers report feeling guilty about taking a holiday, yet they’re better at actually stepping away once they do take time off.

The Importance of Disconnecting

Taking time away from work isn’t just a perk – it’s essential for long-term productivity, creativity and overall well-being. Numerous studies show that regular breaks, especially extended ones like holidays, help to reduce stress, prevent burnout and increase job satisfaction. The mental and emotional recharge that comes from stepping away from work allows employees to return with a fresh perspective, new ideas and renewed energy.

However, the benefits of taking time off can be diminished if employees feel compelled to stay connected to work. The pressure to remain available, even while on holiday, often stems from a workplace culture that implicitly (or explicitly) rewards constant connectivity. Over time, this can lead to a cycle of burnout and decreased productivity, undermining the very purpose of taking time off.

Creating a Guilt-Free Culture

If businesses want their employees to take full advantage of their time off, they need to foster a culture that not only encourages but also normalises disconnecting. Here are a few strategies to achieve this:

Lead by Example: When leaders and managers fully unplug during their holidays, it sets a powerful precedent for the rest of the team. Employees are more likely to feel comfortable disconnecting if they see their supervisors doing the same.

Set Clear Expectations: Make it clear that holidays are a time for rest, not work. Establish policies that discourage checking in, such as not expecting replies to emails or calls outside of working hours unless there’s an emergency.

Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage employees to take their allotted time off and to plan it in advance. Regularly remind them of the importance of recharging and make it a point to recognise and reward those who model healthy work-life balance.

Provide Coverage Plans: Ensure that teams have coverage for essential tasks while someone is out. This reduces the pressure on the holidaying employee to stay connected and reassures them that their responsibilities are being managed in their absence.

The Path to a Healthier Work Environment

The data from LinkedIn’s survey is a wake-up call for businesses to reassess how they approach time off. By fostering a culture where employees can take guilt-free holidays and fully unplug, organisations not only support their employees' well-being but also enhance their productivity and creativity in the long run. After all, a well-rested team is a more effective and engaged team.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, let’s prioritise the importance of truly stepping away, both for our individual health and the collective success of our teams. So, as you wrap up the last of your summer adventures, remember to really unplug because your inbox will still be there when you get back but your peace of mind might not be.