Revisiting the definition of vacation by Jessica Melander

As I am writing this article I am sitting on the beach in North Carolina. The waves are crashing, there is a salty breeze blowing, and my three year old niece is building sandcastles a few feet away from me. I’m sitting here wondering how many business people will take a “working vacation” this summer.

How many of us require wifi, smartphones, or iPads? When our phones “ding” do we feel the need to immediately check them? Do we have to reply to emails instantly? Check our voicemails constantly?

I see a man about a hundred yards to my left; he has been on his Blackberry for the last hour. Whatever it is that’s going on at work is important I’m sure, but his family seems a little irritated. His daughter has tried to show him a shell she found in the water about four times and isn’t satisfied with his “that’s nice nod”. I know I’m guilty of this one. I’m always on my phone, I always respond to emails and I have to check the office voicemail a few times a day.

As I sit here now, I’m wondering if it would have really been so bad if I set up an “out of the office” auto email response. I’m only gone for one week, I’m sure the world can survive for a few days without me, and in reality most people understand vacation.

I can’t see many people getting upset and deciding not to do business with a company because their contact is out of the office for five days, especially if they are told so in an auto response, or in an updated voicemail message explaining the absence. I’m also sure that the little girl with the shell would love to spend some undivided time with her daddy, and that my niece would appreciate it if I put the lap top down and helped her with her sandcastle.

Most of us work very hard and it’s understandable that people need a break. I know my boss would prefer me to come back refreshed and ready to work and your employees want the same from you. So, this summer, take a break and spend time with your family, your business will thank you.

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