In the era of remote work and digital nomadism, a new trend is emerging among young professionals—quiet vacationing.
This concept, a fresh spin on “quiet quitting,” allows employees to subtly take time away from work without informing their employer. Instead of completely disconnecting, they maintain their work responsibilities while enjoying a change of scenery.
Why does this trend resonate so much with the millennial workforce? Millennials are embracing quiet vacationing, a new trend combining remote work with relaxation, hoping to achieve a better work-life balance—all without informing their boss.
Quiet Vacationing 101
Originally, the term “quiet quitting” referred to employees doing the bare minimum at work, quietly stepping back from the “hustle culture” without outright resigning.
Quiet vacationing takes this idea one step further, applying it to how young professionals manage their work and personal time. Rather than requesting official time off, they continue working—but from a vacation spot, merging work and leisure.
According to a recent survey by The Harris Poll, 37 percent of millennial workers admit to taking time off without notifying their employers. This trend is significantly more common among millennials than other generations, with nearly four in ten engaging in this practice. The underlying reasons are multifaceted, ranging from burnout and the need for better work-life balance to fears of scrutiny when requesting paid time off.
Thirty-seven percent of millennial workers admit to taking time off without notifying their employers.
Quiet vacationing offers a temporary escape for those who struggle to completely unplug from work. It provides a change of scenery and a chance to relax while still meeting work obligations.
In the United States, where statutory vacation days are limited, and many employees feel guilty about taking time off, this trend offers a solution to the constant grind. The survey also revealed that 83 percent of millennials don’t use their full vacation days, while 61 percent feel anxious about requesting time off.
Five Tips for Achieving Work-Life Balance
While quiet vacationing might offer immediate relief, it doesn’t address the root cause. Instead, it reflects deeper issues within workplace culture. To create a healthier work environment, employers need to foster open communication, reasonable workloads, trust and adequate paid time off, encouraging employees to disconnect fully.
- Plan Your Time Off. Schedule regular breaks and vacations to recharge.
- Communicate with Your Employer. Be transparent about your need for time off and discuss flexible working arrangements.
- Set Boundaries. Clearly define your working hours and stick to them, even while on vacation.
- Prioritize Self-Care. Incorporate activities that promote relaxation and mental well-being into your daily routine.
- Leverage Technology. Use tools to automate tasks and manage your workload efficiently, allowing you to take genuine breaks.
Better Work-Life Balance
Quiet vacationing highlights the need for better work-life balance as well as a more supportive workplace culture. While it provides a temporary fix, employees and employers must work toward making time off both acceptable and encouraged. By fostering open communication, setting clear boundaries and prioritizing well-being, we can achieve a healthier, more balanced approach to work and life.
Quiet vacationing might be a sign of the times. With the right changes, we can ensure it becomes an obsolete concept replaced by genuine relaxation and rejuvenation. Ahem—remote work for everyone. How right are we?
About Vacayou
At Vacayou [pronounced VACAY – YOU], we believe that travel has the power to change lives. The power to revive, rejuvenate and redirect your inner wellness warrior. And that’s why we’re here. Vacayou brings the world of wellness travel to you!
No matter how far or how adventurous, our team scours the globe to curate the best in wellness travel. However, the booking process can often be time-consuming and complicated. We’ve made it much easier to search, discover, and book wellness and active vacations. With Vacayou’s Instant Book, your dream wellness getaway is now just a click away.
Start the trip of your lifetime today, with Vacayou. We are here to help create a healthier global community through wellness and active travel.
To keep up with the latest wellness trends and experiences, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
