In a world where workaholism and constant connectivity dominate, so-called ‘quiet vacationing’ is becoming a necessary solution for overburdened professionals.
This trend, which involves taking time off without formally notifying the employer, is gaining popularity among the younger generation, in turn worrying companies looking to balance productivity with their employees’ well-being.
But what are the implications for large organisations? The work environment continues to evolve, and companies must adapt to change to stay ahead of the curve.
What is quiet vacationing?
Quiet vacationing is a form of leave where employees choose to take time off without formally notifying their employers.
The concept has become popular among younger generations. It has increased in popularity since a recent Harris Poll survey found that at least 28% of workers have taken time off without formally requesting it from their jobs.
This figure rises sharply among younger generation workers. Analysing this phenomenon in detail reveals a growing need to switch off from work and demonstrates new ways for young people to balance work life in a culture that rarely stands still.
Unlike traditional holidays, quiet vacationing is ‘unofficial and self-managed’. It allows employees to avoid the pressure and stress of asking for formal leave while managing their own time in fulfilling their responsibilities. Implementing approaches such as ‘Therapeutic Routes’ can be beneficial in providing structured support and alleviating the anxiety that motivates employees to take quiet vacations.
What is the motivation behind quiet vacationing?
When looking closely at this trend, it is easy to assume that employees who opt for quiet vacationing are dissatisfied with their jobs. The reality, however, is multifactorial.
The inclination towards quiet vacationing is not due to a lack of paid time off (PTO) or holiday days. Indeed, according to the above-mentioned survey, 83% of respondents are satisfied with their company’s holiday policy.
However, it was also shown that 78% of employees do not use all available time off . This is especially significant among younger workers: 89% of Generation Z and 83% of Millennials do not take full advantage of their holiday days for various reasons.
1. Lack of clear policies
According to an article by HR Dive, one of the main reasons employees want to take time off without notifying their managers is the ambiguity and rigidity of paid time off policies in many companies. This leads employees to look for ways to better control their schedules and maintain a work-life balance.
2. Work-related stress and burnout
Work-related stress and burnout are significant factors contributing to this trend. According to research, around 65% of employees have experienced burnout in the workplace.
This extreme burnout motivates employees to take unconventional measures, such as quiet vacationing, to rest and recuperate without worrying about professional repercussions.
3. Generational differences in work culture
Quiet vacationing also reflects a generational mismatch in work expectations. Multi-generational teams have been found to have different expectations about what work-life balance entails and what should and should not be expected of employees in the workplace.
That is, within the traditional corporate world, taking annual leave can generate anxiety for many reasons, from a critical boss to the fear of appearing lazy if the need for rest is expressed.
This is coupled with a culture of presenteeism, where employees may feel pressured to come to work even when they are sick. Many feel they must be workaholics or ‘seen’ as working late, even when they are not being productive.
This environment can discourage employees from using their time off officially, leaning instead towards silent holidays to avoid judgement and criticism.
The impact of quiet vacationing on business
For companies, quiet holidays present management challenges, as the lack of formal communication about team members’ time off can make planning and resource allocation difficult.
In addition, so-called ‘quiet ambition,’ which prioritises well-being and balance over promotions and salary increases, can leave teams without willing leaders. While this type of ambition can improve mental health and job satisfaction, companies that do not adjust to these changes by seeking to establish work-life balance policies risk falling behind in attracting and retaining talent.
Business strategies for dealing with the quiet holidays
To help companies adapt to these new trends in thinking, the following strategies can be developed:
1. Establish unlimited holiday policies
An unlimited leave policy allows employees to take the time they need to rest without worrying about the number of days available. This can foster an environment of trust and accountability, where employees feel the company supports their well-being.
On this topic, Kalina Pleil, People Operations Specialist at ifeel partner Labster, points out:
“To provide a few examples, our employees’ benefit from unlimited holidays which we actually encourage them to take. Everyone has a legal minimum but we encourage people to take extra to relax on a long weekend, or take some time for themselves. We have company-wide mental health days a couple times a year, as well as company holidays where the whole organization shuts down and can really switch off to allow time for self-care.”
2. Introducing the concept of recharge day
Recharge Day is an additional day off that companies can give their employees to recharge. This day can be used for personal activities that help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Implementing a Recharge Day periodically can be an excellent way to support quiet holidays.
On this, Virginia Grenón Lobato, Global Head of Human Resources Operations at Cabify, an ifeel partner company, points out:
“Cabify is a company that is really committed to the well-being of its employees.
We do this from multiple perspectives, such as work-life balance, where we highlight our BIG WOW, our ‘recharge days’. This is done by taking a day off on the third Friday of each month. This initiative has been implemented in all the offices for some years now and in countries where we are present. It is really one of the best-valued initiatives by all professionals, and why not say it, we are one of the very few companies in the market that has taken concrete measures to reduce working hours across the board for all its professionals.“
Benefits for companies
There are many benefits of adopting policies that support quiet vacationing:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Increased Productivity | Employees who rest adequately often return to work with more energy and creativity, leading to increased productivity. By fully disconnecting, they can avoid burnout and maintain high performance over time. |
| Reduced Stress and Improved Work Environment | Silent vacations help reduce work-related stress and promote a healthier work environment. Employees feel valued and supported by the company, which can improve the work atmosphere and talent retention. |
| Innovation and Creativity | Deep rest and disconnection allow employees to clear their minds and return with new perspectives and ideas. This space for creativity can lead to significant innovations within the organization. |
Unlocking team’s potential in large organisations
At ifeel, we know that quiet vacationing is more than a fad; it represents a necessary response to workaholism and the culture of hyper-connectivity. Companies that recognise and support this trend can benefit significantly by improving the well-being of their employees and, ultimately, their performance.
To assist in this process, our team of psychologists specialising in mental well-being has developed a mental well-being program for companies aimed at helping companies enhance employee engagement and boost productivity.
This collaboration allows HR managers to receive personalised, data-based advice on the most effective measures for detecting employee mental health issues and assessing the workplace climate. It’s the best way to understand their needs.
Moreover, ifeel’s corporate mental well-being solution offers employees a structured mental health care service tailored to their needs at any given time.
We hope you found this article on quiet vacationing interesting. If you want more information about our mental well-being solution for companies, simply request it, and we will contact your team soon.
