Checking In While Checking Out: More Than Three in Five Executives Check In With the Office During Summer Vacation

TORONTO, June 28, 2012 /CNW/ - As executives plan their summer getaways, many of them will not leave the office completely behind, suggests a new Robert Half Management Resources survey. Sixty-one per cent of chief financial officers (CFOs) polled say they check in with the office at least once or twice a week while on vacation, up from 58 per cent in a similar survey in 2005. Thirty-six per cent remain completely disconnected during their vacation.

The survey was developed by Robert Half Management Resources, the world's premier provider of senior-level finance, accounting and business systems professionals on a project and interim basis. It was conducted by an independent research firm and includes responses from 270 CFOs from a stratified random sample of Canadian companies with 20 or more employees.

CFOs were asked, "During your summer vacation, how often do you typically check in with the office?" Their responses:

    <<
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                          2012  2005
    ---------------------------------
    Several times daily     6%    2%
    ---------------------------------
    Once or twice daily    17%   22%
    ---------------------------------
    Several times a week    4%    5%
    ---------------------------------
    Once or twice a week   34%   29%
    ---------------------------------
    Do not check in        36%   36%
    ---------------------------------
    Don't know/no answer    3%    6%
    ---------------------------------
    Total                 100%  100%
    ---------------------------------
    >>

"As executives focus on multiple business challenges in today's work environment, they may feel that taking a vacation and staying disconnected from the office may put them further behind in terms of productivity," said David King, Canadian president of Robert Half Management Resources. "However, even a short break can help executives feel recharged and refreshed. Making time for a getaway also sets a positive example for other employees who otherwise may feel guilty completely disconnecting while on vacation."

Robert Half Management Resources offered the following tips for preparing to leave the office:

    <<
    -   Set -- and stick with -- your out-of-office messages -- If you say
        you're not checking in, but then begin returning messages on
        vacation, you send mixed signals. If you're inaccessible, stay that
        way.
    -   Clarify what constitutes a crisis -- Your definition of a crisis may
        be different from those on your team. Be clear with staff about what
        situations require escalation and to whom. If you expect to be
        notified of emergencies, provide a way for people to reach you
        quickly.
    -   Limit surprises -- Don't expect staff to "wing it" while you're away.
        Set people up for success in your absence by giving them a heads up
        on what issues may arise and how they can address them.
    -   Acknowledge great work -- On your return, thank the people who helped
        the office run smoothly in your absence, including your assistant.
        Make note of their efforts in their next performance review.
    >>

About Robert Half Management Resources

Robert Half Management Resources is the premier provider of senior-level finance, accounting and business systems professionals to supplement companies' project and interim staffing needs. The company has more than 150 locations worldwide and offers online job search services at roberthalfmr.com. Follow Robert Half Management Resources at twitter.com/roberthalfmr for workplace news.

Nadia Santoli, [phone], [email protected]