HBR IdeaCast How to Use All Your Vacation — And Really Unplug
Dec 7, 2021
Art Markman, a psychology professor at the University of Texas and author, joins Caitlin Woolley, an associate professor at Cornell, to discuss the vital need for true vacations. They explore the challenges of unplugging from work in our always-on culture and analyze how the pandemic has affected our work-life balance. The duo shares strategies for effective delegation and organizational support that can promote meaningful time off. They also delve into how vacation policies can be reimagined to encourage better mental well-being and creativity.
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Urgency and Ease of Access
- Many struggle to unplug from work due to a sense of urgency and obligation.
- The ease of checking work messages exacerbates this "always-on" culture.
European Vacation Practices
- Alison Beard mentions some European countries handle vacation time better than the U.S.
- She highlights Italy, where month-long vacations are common, as an example.
Benefits of Unplugging
- Taking proper vacations, free from work, benefits well-being and creativity.
- Constant work immersion hinders creative problem-solving by trapping individuals in specifics.
