How to Stop Working on Vacation

For many communications professionals, taking time off is the easy part. The hard part is actually disconnecting.

Whether it’s a Slack notification, an email from a client or a breaking news alert involving your organization, the temptation to stay plugged in can be difficult to resist. But constantly checking in defeats the purpose of taking a vacation in the first place.

According to SELF, even seemingly harmless habits — answering a few emails, monitoring messages or checking Slack notifications — can keep your brain in work mode and prevent the mental recovery that vacations are meant to provide.

The challenge is particularly familiar to PR and communications professionals, whose roles often involve managing issues, monitoring reputations and responding quickly when circumstances change. Many communicators worry that stepping away will create more work when they return or leave colleagues without the support they need.

The reality is that effective vacations require planning and boundaries.

Before leaving, communicate clearly with colleagues, clients and stakeholders about your availability. Delegate responsibilities and identify a backup contact and guide for handling urgent situations. A well-prepared handoff reduces uncertainty and makes it easier to disconnect.

Technology can also work against you. SELF recommends pausing notifications and deleting work-related apps from your phone during your trip, or, when possible, leaving work devices behind altogether. Even seeing work alerts can trigger stress and pull your attention away from family, friends or personal activities.

For those who feel uncomfortable going completely offline, experts suggest establishing a limited check-in period rather than responding throughout the day. The goal is to prevent work from dominating your vacation while still maintaining peace of mind.

Most importantly, remember why you scheduled the vacation in the first place. Time away helps reduce stress, restore energy and improve focus. Research has shown that breaks from work can improve well-being and help employees return more engaged and productive.

A vacation is not a reward you earn after finishing every task. It is an essential part of maintaining long-term effectiveness and avoiding burnout. Here are tips for disconnecting on vacation:

• Set an out-of-office message. 
• Designate a backup contact. 
• Turn off work notifications. 
• Avoid checking email. 
• Leave your work laptop behind.