Keeping Track While Kicking Back - Robert Half Management Resources Survey:
Most CFOs in Touch With Office during Vacation

TORONTO, July 8 /CNW/ - Most financial executives can't resist calling into work when they're on summer vacation and it appears that the practice is on the rise, a new Robert Half Management Resources survey suggests. Two-thirds (67 per cent) of chief financial officers (CFOs) interviewed said they check in with the office at least once or twice a week during their vacation, up from 58 per cent five years ago.

The survey was developed by Robert Half Management Resources, the world's premier provider of senior-level accounting and finance 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:

    
    Several times daily........................ 4%
    Once or twice daily........................ 25%
    Several times a week....................... 15%
    Once or twice a week....................... 23%
    You don't check in at all.................. 32%
                                               -----
                                               99%*

                Survey does not add to 100 due to rounding.
    

"While the rise of mobile technology is making it easier to stay connected, it is important for executives to relax and re-energize on vacation," said David King, president of Robert Half Management Resources' Canadian operations. "As the recent recession had companies doing more with less, taking the time to recharge and refocus can help professionals increase productivity once they are back at the office."

King added, "Grooming and maintaining a strong management team will help executives feel confident when they are away from the office. While it may be challenging to disconnect entirely, proper preparation will result in a smooth transition and also demonstrates that the company values employees enjoying a work-life balance."

King offers five tips to help managers ensure their time away truly feels like a vacation:

    
    1.  Schedule ahead. If possible, aim to leave the office during a light
        period or when key staff members aren't on vacation. Those in the
        office won't be stretched too thin by your absence or feel the need
        to be in constant contact with you.
    2.  Decide on a point person early. A few weeks in advance, designate a
        senior person you trust to manage day-to-day responsibilities during
        your absence.
    3.  Notify contacts and clients. Before you leave, make certain clients
        and other business contacts are aware when you'll be gone. On your
        out-of-office e-mail response and voice mail, include the name of
        your colleague handling your responsibilities.
    4.  Divide assignments. Unless the project requires the focus of your
        most senior person, you may want to distribute tasks to multiple
        senior staff members to ensure that work gets completed and to avoid
        overburdening any single employee. Also consider bringing in project
        professionals to cover large projects.
    5.  Determine your check-in time. If you must check in, try to establish
        "office hours" prior to your departure. Provide your staff with
        specific dates and times you will be checking messages. Resist the
        temptation to always have your mobile device in hand while on
        vacation.
    

About Robert Half Management Resources

Robert Half Management Resources is the premier provider of senior-level accounting and finance professionals to supplement companies' project and interim staffing needs. The company has more than 145 locations worldwide and offers online job search services at www.roberthalfmr.com. Follow Robert Half Canada at twitter.com/RobertHalf_CAN for workplace news.

For further information: Kristie Perrotte, [phone], [email protected]