Surfing the phone on the weekend, like after a fresh break-up, one keeps looking for that message to pop or check the lovey-dovey pics over and over again; I tremendously urge to check my emails or WhatsApp, knowing every well there’ll be no love in them(pun intended). The decision not-to is tough.

A friend was back from her seven-star vacation, and more than her, I was excited about the holiday. In my excitement, I was at her doorstep much before she could unlock the door. I rushed her to the living room and pleaded with her, OK..pushed her to tell me about the vacation. She and her husband are secret couples. They don’t post anything on social media; you can’t trace them on any Google search(some A.I. might be). This secrecy made me further intrigued to get all the details.
My eyes popped out, opening and closing my fists; I wanted her to SPEAK.

She took a deep breath, rested her head at the back of the large sofa and said,” It was OK.”

“OK!!!” W.H.A.T., you send lakhs of rupees on a luxurious holiday, only to tell that it was OK?

“he is swamped and couldn’t go off his phone the entire trip. So we rarely talked or even walked together.”

Ah! I felt sorry for her.

In this hyper-connected digital era, where work-life boundaries have become increasingly blurred, it’s no surprise that people find it challenging to disconnect from work, even during their well-deserved leaves or a family holiday. One prominent manifestation of this struggle is the compulsion to respond to emails, even when officially on leave. This blog will explore the reasons behind this behaviour and shed light on the psychological and professional factors contributing to this dilemma.

  1. The Fear of Falling Behind or F.O.M.O.: In today’s fast-paced, competitive work environments, professionals must catch up with their colleagues or miss crucial information while on leave. Responding to emails can provide a sense of control and ensure they stay updated with important matters. The fear of being left out or out of the loop is a powerful motivator.
  2. The Desire to Please: Many individuals possess an innate desire to be helpful and responsive, even when they should be taking time for themselves. They may feel obligated to respond to emails promptly to maintain their reputation as dependable and dedicated professionals. The fear of disappointing colleagues or clients can be a driving force behind their urge to stay connected.
  3. Difficulty Setting Boundaries: In a culture that celebrates constant availability and productivity, setting clear boundaries between work and personal life can be challenging. People may feel guilty or anxious about setting aside their work responsibilities ultimately. The lines between work and personal time blur, leading them to check and respond to emails during their leave. Women struggle to set boundaries because we constantly want to “prove” ourselves.
  4. Fear of an Overwhelming Inbox: The overwhelming nature of returning to an overflowing inbox after a vacation can be a significant deterrent for individuals. To avoid being inundated with emails upon their return, they may address a few urgent messages while on leave, hoping to minimize the workload upon their return.
  5. Perceived Organizational Expectations: In some work cultures, there is an implicit or explicit expectation that employees should remain responsive even during their leaves. These expectations can stem from organizational norms, managerial pressure, or a fear of missing out on opportunities or promotions. Such perceived expectations can influence individuals to stay connected and respond to emails.

While responding to work-related emails during a leave may seem counterintuitive, several factors contribute to this behaviour. The fear of falling behind, the desire to please, difficulty setting boundaries, the fear of an overwhelming inbox, and perceived organizational expectations all play a role. As we navigate work-life balance challenges in the digital age, we must recognize the importance of taking time off and setting clear boundaries to maintain our well-being and recharge. Employers should also encourage a culture that respects employees’ leave and promotes a healthy work-life integration, allowing individuals to disconnect and rejuvenate truly.

It took me several years to set the boundary, compulsive ignorance of emails/texts when on leave or weekends, getting rid of the guilt and logging in on Monday with a triumphant smile.