Vacation deprivation?
By Paul Edwards | theage.com.au | 23 January
Portable technology has contributed to vacation deprivation syndrome, with the temptation to log on to the office too great.
Vacation deprivation syndrome is a new name for the familiar trap of doing work for which you won't get paid while you're supposed to be on holiday.
Workplace observers have known for years that Australians, in common with other industrialised societies, often have difficulty leaving the office behind when they go on annual leave.
It's bad for your health, your family, your social life and, in many cases, it doesn't even do the company any good. But an estimated 35per cent of us still keep doing it.
The online travel and holiday website Expedia.com's most recent annual survey of workplace attitudes says much of the Western world feels guilty about taking leave.
In Australia, the situation is getting worse. Nick Deligiannis, director of specialist recruiters Hays, blames the economic downturn.
"As the economy and hiring tighten, added pressure is being placed on existing staff to meet higher workloads. Because of this, many employees have found themselves taking work home at night, on weekends, and during their holidays," he says.
"Some people worry about work building up in their absence and feel that there is no point going on a break only to return to an overflowing in-tray and impossible deadlines. For others, the office working culture, especially if they want to get ahead, can make it almost impossible to relax."
American studies have found that female workers have joined the ranks of vacation deprivation syndrome sufferers.
In Australia, as in the US, the worst affected are in managerial positions, from entry level up to the CEO.
Mr Deligiannis says the blurring of the line between work and homeis largely caused by the belief that it is essential to take on added responsibility.
This might stem from an inaccurate perception of their role, orsimply from an inability to delegate.
For some, what becomes important is not only how they are seen by others, but also how they see themselves.
In other cases, the blurring of the line stems from a genuine interest in the work.
Technology is another significant factor - employees often take their mobile phones and laptops on holiday and find they just can't leave the office behind.
Those who have faced up to and conquered VDS say workplace problems often have a knack of fixing themselves while you're away. At the worst, they tick away quietly in the background until you return to sort them out.
Financial services, investment banking and the legal profession have earned a reputation for turning a blind eye to the situation, rather than enforcing an unbreakable rule whereby if the work really must be done, then it must be done in the office or a satisfactory alternative must be found.
But what about the worker who simply has to be on call, even during holidays?
"This can be tricky," says MrDeligiannis. "If you really must take work home with you, then there are some steps you can take to minimise this workload and give yourself some time to really relax.
"First, plan ahead. Make sure you have noted all deadlines, including those immediately following your return to work, and where possible make some headway on those tasks before you leave. No doubt, you will be greeted with multiple new tasks on your return, so it is vital that you prepare for the impact this will have on your workload.
"Secondly, spread the word that you're off on a well-earned break. Others will determine the urgency of their needs and you'll find that most people will respect this.
"Where possible, provide an alternative contact. Make sure this is someone you can trust to effectively manage any incoming tasks.
"Don't be a slave to your PDA, mobile or laptop. Limit yourself to checking your messages at breakfast, lunchtime and in the evening. This way you will still remain in regular contact without needlessly eating away at your relaxation time."
Many management consultants recommend external courses in time management to learn how to delegate or set boundaries.
First published by TheAge.com.au on January 23 2009
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