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A Harris Poll released in June found that at least one in four millennial employees is taking time off work without telling their managers in a trend called “quiet vacationing.”
The poll found that millennials are far more likely to “quiet vacation” behind their bosses backs than to take a full-on vacation away from work, according to Newsweek. And it’s not just a strictly millennial thing to do. Some 18% of baby boomers polled by Harris Poll admitted to quiet vacationing, while 24% of Gen Z and Gen Xers said the same. Millennials, however, do so at a rate of roughly 28%.
What Is Quiet Vacationing?
The practice of the “quiet vacation” can mean several things. One of the most obvious is taking a trip while technically still being on work hours. Some millennials also buy mouse-movers, which makes them appear online to their colleagues despite not being in front of their screen. Millennials also schedule emails to go out after hours, also making it appear like they’re working beyond what their contracts and pay require. (LEARN MORE: US Facing 12 Million ‘Occupational Transitions,’ Experts Say)
“There’s a giant workaround culture at play,” Harris Poll chief strategy officer Libby Rodney told CNBC. “They will figure out how to get appropriate work-life balance, but it’s happening behind the scenes. It’s not exactly quiet quitting, but more like quiet vacationing.”
Importance of Work-Life Balance
Some 76% of American workers agree with the statement: “I wish my workplace culture placed a stronger emphasis on the value of taking regular breaks and utilizing paid time off.”
Most people don’t want to appear as if their slacking, Newsweek noted. Others say they can get their work done in fewer hours than their job requires, but don’t want to lose the income that job deserves just because they can do it faster than others. (TAKE A POLL: Do You think Automation And AI Are Threats or Opportunities For the Future Workforce?)
“I feel this is a sign of people wanting more ownership over their time and work-life balance, combined with the fact that remote and hybrid work makes it easier to get away with not being at your desk for extended periods of time,” Big Interview president Pamela Skillings told the outlet. “Millennials in particular have been through a crazy roller coaster of a job market in recent years. They are likely looking for any ways to take control and avoid burnout.”
Do companies need to change their approach?
Data cited by Newsweek found that 66% of U.S. workers think they’d be more productive with more time off. But many are anxious about using their PTO, even when their companies have policies stipulating it.
“If you need to ‘quiet vacation’ because you don’t have enough paid time off or your manager is controlling and difficult about vacation requests, just be sure to plan accordingly so that you can check in as needed and make sure all deadlines stay on track,” Skilling continued. “Ideally, find a new job with a manager who trusts you and supports adequate time off.”
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