A work-life balance is what we all deserve! Now that many don’t have access to this luxury, Quiet Vacationing seems to do for it.
Quiet Vacationing, it’s not what you think. No, it is not just going on some vacation and staying silent in far beautiful places, living with peace and peace of mind, just wanting to move away from the ‘noisy’ hotchpotch of cities.
In fact, It is basically a sneaky game that employees play with their bosses, managers or say HRs. And Millennials are going all out to make the best of it, and take that ‘break’ from work.
In more detail, Quiet Vacationing is the latest twist on the "workation" concept. Instead of officially taking time off, employees pretend to work from home while actually vacationing.
It reminds me of how we used to sneak from our parents for a Manali or Jaipur trip with friends, now the roles have changed, it is the bosses you are sneaking from now. Same Same but different. Isn’t it.
Why is this becoming a trend?
In a recent Harris Poll survey, it was observed that many Americans have admitted to taking leaves or breaks without informing their bosses. The survey indicates that 65% of American workers find it challenging to balance work commitments and personal time off. Furthermore, 76% wish their workplace culture emphasised the importance of regular breaks and utilising paid time off.
What are some obvious reasons for it? Some may blame the leave policy that is the issue. It is more than that. It is the pressure to be constantly available and the fear of employer backlash. In corporate, everything seems very urgent. For Gen Z and Millennials, this fear is particularly pronounced. Faced with the dilemma of needing a break but not wanting to jeopardise their careers, this kind of vacation just seems right.
On a lighter note, it is no doubt a very creative tactic to deal with corporate culture, and can be called the ‘Art of the Quiet Vacation.’
But what possible tricks and tactics can be used by quiet vacationers?
Mouse Movers and Scheduled Messages
According to the Harris Poll survey, 38% of millennial workers have used mouse movers to maintain an active online status on their company's messaging systems. Additionally, 37% have scheduled messages to send outside of regular hours to create the impression that they are working diligently.
Hide those Scenic Zoom Backgrounds
This one is my personal favourite. The beautiful beach views or mountain retreats can be disguised with a plain home office background on video calls. Just make sure the background on your screen doesn't glitch. Also you have to find a quiet place for it.
Strategic Scheduling
Many quiet vacationers shift their work hours to accommodate both work and play. Early mornings might be dedicated to work, leaving the afternoons free for exploring their holiday destination. You just need to become a Pro in time management.
Corporate Culture so Anti-Vacation!
One young professional working in India shared, "Our company gives over 20 days of earned leave, apart from casual and sick leave. But asking for time off for a holiday often results in excuses from managers. Even if they don't directly say no, their attitude indicates they aren't happy. So, a few colleagues and I have gone to places like Dehradun, Landour, and even Goa while supposedly working from home. It's not like we shirked work; we managed to have a vacation without officially asking for leaves."
To come out of a circle of no work-life balance, there feels a need for a cultural shift in the workplace. Employees shouldn't have to sneak around to take a break. The Harris Poll survey shows a clear desire for workplace cultures that value regular breaks and the use of paid time off. In the meantime, quiet vacationing offers a creative solution for those seeking to reclaim their work-life balance.
So, if you see your colleague suddenly looking tanned and refreshed on the next Zoom call, they might just be a master of the art of quiet vacationing. And who knows? Maybe it's time for you to plan your own secret vacation without your Boss knowing.
Happy (quiet) vacationing!
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