7 Bad Habits Preventing Work Disconnection During Vacations and What to Avoid

Introduction

If you’re reading this during Semana Santa or any other vacation period, you know exactly what we’re talking about when we mention the difficulty of disconnecting from work during leisure time, a common (and not good) situation for 63% of Mexican workers, according to the latest Buk “Work in Progress” survey.

The challenge of disconnecting from work responsibilities during vacations has been exacerbated by the use of new technologies and increasingly digital communication, aspects that have found the perfect setting for phenomena like stresslaxing, or work-related stress during leisure or relaxation.

The Prevalence of Stresslaxing

According to OCC’s “Labor Thermometer” survey, 58% of Mexicans experience stresslaxing during vacations, as reported by workers themselves. This negative feeling is primarily related to their self-demand levels, managerial expectations, and organizational cultures.

In this sense, 67% of employees acknowledge the need to be available for work even during vacation periods. Checking emails or participating in video conferences are some actions people frequently engage in during their days off, even though they may not consume much time, they do reflect the difficulty of disconnecting from work.

Common Habits Impeding Disconnection

1. Staying attentive and responding on informal communication channels
2. Checking and responding to emails
3. Responding to messages on work platforms
4. Following up on tasks and projects
5. Catching up on pending tasks
6. Taking work-focused training
7. Participating in virtual meetings

However, the lack of rest can have negative consequences for workers’ health and productivity; Buk’s research shows a correlation between stress levels and the number of vacation days taken by individuals.

“Vacations allow workers to completely disconnect from their labor responsibilities, which not only contributes to protecting their physical and mental health, but also improves productivity and overall well-being,” asserts Haydeé Jaime López, an expert from Marca de Pandapé.

According to an HR platform survey, 41% of people had to work during their vacations due to emergencies, 29% admits they choose to stay informed about their responsibilities, and 70% affirms they were contacted for some work-related activity.

“Companies should implement a culture based on flexibility and outcome-based work. Labor benefits, including vacations, are essential. If an employee fears repercussions for taking their paid time off, there’s a significant cultural issue,” clarifies Haydeé Jaime.

Practical Tips for Disconnecting on Vacation

According to Affor Health, people’s hyperconnectivity poses a challenge for rest and has contributed to a greater sense of availability at work.

To promote rest in this context, Affor Health recommends the following:

1. Define clear digital disconnection policies

Companies should establish specific rules that limit email, messaging, and other work tools outside of the working hours. This includes setting availability schedules and ensuring that collaborators can enjoy their time off without interruptions. These policies not only comply with regulations like Mexico’s NOM-037 but also help prevent stress and occupational exhaustion, improving long-term productivity.

2. Train in mental health and occupational psychosocial risks

Investing in leader and team training on labor mental health is crucial. Programs on risks associated with hyperconnectivity, such as stress, equip leaders to identify warning signs and offer support. Additionally, it’s important for leaders to access mental health services to promote healthy leadership. These initiatives foster a labor culture that prioritizes respect for rest times.

3. Implement notification management tools

Utilize technology to limit email and message notifications during non-working hours. This includes configuring automated systems that schedule responses outside of office hours or deactivate alerts outside the working hour.

4. Establish mechanisms to identify new psychosocial risks

Companies can implement regular assessments to detect new psychosocial risk factors, such as workload overload, extended hours, or lack of support in labor tasks, which could be related to hyperconnectivity. These tools allow identifying issues before they become chronic.

“Digital disconnection is not just a strategy; it’s a necessity to face digitalization challenges. Organizations that foster this practice not only take care of their collaborators’ physical and mental health but also gain tangible benefits like increased productivity, innovation, and talent retention,” indicates Affor Health.

Key Questions and Answers

• Q: What is stresslaxing? A: Stresslaxing refers to the negative feelings and stress experienced during leisure time due to work-related expectations and hyperconnectivity.
• Q: How common is it for workers to experience stresslaxing during vacations? A: According to the OCC survey, 58% of Mexican workers experience stresslaxing during vacations.
• Q: What are common habits that prevent workers from disconnecting during vacations? A: Common habits include checking and responding to emails, following up on tasks, and participating in virtual meetings.
• Q: Why is it important for companies to address stresslaxing? A: Addressing stresslaxing helps protect employees’ health, improves productivity, and fosters a healthy work culture.
• Q: What are some practical tips for promoting disconnection during vacations? A: Companies should define clear digital disconnection policies, train in mental health and occupational risks, implement notification management tools, and establish mechanisms to identify new psychosocial risks.