A new workplace trend among Millennials has emerged, much to the chagrin of employers.
The concept of ‘quiet quitting’, which involves doing only the minimum required by one’s job, is already familiar.
This entails fulfilling contractual obligations with no extra effort involved.
However, ‘quiet vacationing’ is pushing this idea even further.
This trend bears resemblance to a ‘workation’, where employees are on a vacation but remain technically working from a different location.
It allows employees to experience a change of scenery without using up their vacation days.
Obviously, this is easier for those who work remotely and do not have frequent meetings or calls.
Yet, there is another trend, somewhat more deceptive, where Millennials appear to be working while actually engaging in personal activities like getting a haircut, meeting friends, or relaxing at home.
How is this managed?
Techniques like scheduling emails and occasionally sending messages help maintain the illusion of being occupied at their computers.
A survey by The Harris Poll revealed that 37 percent of Millennial workers in the U.S. have taken time off without notifying their employer.
Furthermore, 38 percent have pretended to remain active online.
Some have become more elaborate, scheduling emails to be sent outside regular working hours to feign overtime.
Libby Rodney, Chief Strategy Officer at The Harris Poll, shared with CNBC: “There’s a giant workaround culture at play.
“They will figure out how to get appropriate work-life balance, but it’s happening behind the scenes. It’s not exactly quiet quitting, but more like quiet vacationing.”
But why are Millennials the focus?
Rodney noted that while Gen Z is typically more direct about their workplace needs, Millennials are also achieving their goals.
However, older Millennials tend to adopt a more discreet approach.
Discussing the origins of ‘quiet vacationing’, Hayley Saunders, an HR technical consultant at AdviserPlus, told People Management: “If employees are feeling the need to take a break from work without being honest about it, there is something wrong with the company culture. There is not just a lack of trust, there’s a lack of psychological safety.
“They’re saying: ‘I can’t be honest about needing a break because I’m afraid of the consequences.’ It’s a huge red flag that the company needs to address – not just with policies, but with a deep cultural shift.”
Have you ever taken a ‘quiet vacation’?