In the era of remote work, a new phenomenon has emerged among millennials: "quiet vacationing." This trend involves taking time off from work without formally requesting paid leave or notifying employers, often to maintain the appearance of constant productivity. The practice is a modern twist on "quiet quitting," where employees continue to work without putting in extra effort or commitment.

The Survey Says...

A recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll of 1,170 employed Americans revealed that nearly 40% of millennials admitted to taking time off work without informing their employer, compared to 24% of Gen Zers and Gen Xers. Millennials were also more likely to take actions to make it appear like they are working when they really aren't, such as moving their mouse to keep their status active on messaging apps or scheduling messages to send outside their usual hours to give the impression of working overtime.

Generational Differences

The propensity for quiet vacationing among millennials might be attributed to generational differences. Libby Rodney, The Harris Poll's chief strategy officer, explained that Gen Z is more vocal about criticising employers with poor work-life balance, while millennials are more likely to find a quiet workaround "behind the scenes". This suggests that millennials may be more inclined to take matters into their own hands to achieve a better work-life balance, even if it means not following traditional communication protocols.

Work-Life Balance and the Blurred Lines

The survey also found that 78% of American workers reported not using all their PTO days, with nearly as many saying they wish they were able to take all of their available days off. The biggest barriers to taking more PTO were pressure to always be available and meet work demands, as well as a heavy workload. These statistics suggest that the boundaries between work time and personal time are becoming increasingly blurred in both directions. Over half of employees had taken work-related calls while on vacation, and 86% had checked an email from their boss while on PTO.

The Impact on Workplace Culture

Quiet vacationing reflects issues of mistrust, fear, overwork, and a lack of boundaries, according to Jasmine Escalera, a career expert. While it may provide some temporary relief, it is not a sustainable solution that addresses the root causes of the issue. Employers can maintain a content workforce by fostering a healthier work culture that prioritises work-life balance, open communication, reasonable workloads and expectations, trust between employees and leadership, and adequate paid time off where employees are encouraged to fully disconnect.

A Call for Change

Amidst this discussion, there is evidence that time off for employees in the U.S. could be about to change. A new initiative to establish two weeks of paid annual leave for millions of American workers is being spearheaded by a group of Democratic lawmakers in the House of Representatives. This move could grant paid time off to nearly 27 million employees who currently do not have it, potentially leading to a shift in workplace culture and a greater emphasis on work-life balance.

Quiet vacationing is a trend that highlights the need for a re-evaluation of workplace culture and the importance of work-life balance. As employees continue to find creative ways to take breaks from their jobs, it is essential for employers to recognise the underlying issues driving this behaviour and work towards creating a more sustainable and healthy work environment. By prioritising open communication, reasonable workloads, and adequate paid time off, employers can foster a content workforce and reduce the need for quiet vacationing.