I’m a psychologist and here are the 4 best ways to disconnect from work on vacation

It is without a doubt that Technology is a fundamental part of our lives today , because it keeps us constantly connected. It is in this hyper-technological context in which The line between professional and personal life has become increasingly blurred. Just look at how, every day, thousands of workers around the world return home after their workday with several emails waiting. Many even set aside time in their personal space to respond to all the emails that are in their inbox.

It is at this period that these phenomena become particularly evident, since during the holiday period Many workers in Chile and around the world struggle to completely disconnect from their work responsibilities. .

It is more, according to a study by Espacio Mutuo 61% of people feel that they cannot disconnect from work on their vacation days and even 23% still have a high level of connection. Why does this happen? How to manage it effectively, both for employees and for management?

One of the main factors that prevents disconnection during the holidays is the belief, often unfounded, that if we do not constantly monitor, the results of the work will be ruined. This fantasy of total control is not only unrealistic, but it also interferes with mental rest. The fear of missing something important or the desire to always be aware of what is happening in the office generates a mental load that prevents effective rest.

Another big obstacle is difficulty setting boundaries with bosses and colleagues . The pressure, real or perceived, to always be available to the team, responds to a work culture where “always be connected” has become synonymous with commitment and responsibility. However, This practice is not only harmful to rest, but is also unsustainable in the long term, since teams must be prepared for scheduled absences, such as vacations.

To address these issues, it is essential to adopt certain strategies that allow workers to truly disconnect while on vacation. Some possible actions are:

A good approach is to have clarity on projects and tasks that will move forward during the absence and establish specific monitoring indicators. This, on the one hand, allows you to have a clear vision of what needs to be reviewed upon return, and also allows those who are “responsible” to know what is expected of them in terms of performance.

Before going on vacation, It is essential to program an automatic message in the email indicating dates of absence and providing alternative contacts for urgent requests. This simple act makes it clear to colleagues and clients that we will not be available, thereby establishing a healthy boundary.

It is important to practice who will be responsible for different tasks during the period of absence. This not only ensures continuity of projects, but also provides peace of mind to the vacationing worker, knowing that their responsibilities fall to people who have been previously prepared for the role.

As with email, It is essential to inform that you are on vacation via WhatsApp on the company phone. A good practice is Change the profile picture to something that says “out of office” or “on vacation.”

This change should be activated during the holiday period and inform contacts that you will not respond to messages until you return.

Finally, beyond the practices indicated above, it should be noted that Managers play a crucial role in this process, since they are responsible for promoting an organizational culture. where rest and disconnection are valued and respected.

This implies not only refrain from contacting workers during their vacation, but also recognize those who achieve a healthy work-life balance. As leaders and members of an organization, we have a responsibility to take care of the time off that allows everyone to fully enjoy their well-deserved vacation .

*Director of the Master in Organizational Psychology, Adolfo Ibáñez University