Seemingly, generations are always in a battle regarding who is better. Which generation is smarter or better educated? Or which generation is harder working, with older generations believing millennials to be lazy and unmotivated? However, a new trend called “quiet vacationing” is popular among millennials who believe they have little to no home-work life balance.
Quiet Vacationing Trend Rises
Quiet vacationing has become popular and possible post-pandemic as more people are seeing the benefits of working remotely. Older generations had unions, paid vacations, and health benefits. They could afford to send their kids to college, buy a car and home, and maybe even splurge on treats or vacations, generally on one salary. However, things are vastly different and it’s rare to find these benefits in a job. As such, millennials are “quiet vacationing” and many have reportedly taken the opportunity to work remotely and spend fewer hours working.
Defining Quiet Vacationing
Essentially, quiet vacationing is the term for millennials who’ve used their remote hours at home to relax or have some downtime to handle household chores. Purportedly, 4 out of 10 millennials admitted to taking “unofficial” time off work without first clearing it with their higher-ups. Some admitted to occasionally moving their mouse, so it seems they’re still actively working. Others have confessed to sending emails after hours, so it appears they’re working overtime.
Experts Weigh In
Libby Rodney, the chief strategy officer at the Harris Poll shared some thoughts regarding the quiet vacationing trend. “There’s a giant workaround culture at play.” She explained. “They will figure out how to get appropriate work-life balance, but it’s happening behind the scenes. It’s not exactly quiet quitting, but more like quiet vacationing.”
Another Popular Trend
Many are familiar with another popular trend among millennials. The trend of “quiet quitting”. Quiet quitting is used when a millennial employee does exactly what their contract requires and nothing more. Many argue that this is an apparent rebellion. However, employees are feeling undervalued and overworked, with many calling their work environments toxic. As such, some have deemed the term“quiet quitting” as extreme because many are simply doing what they’re contracted to do. Rather than employers getting free labor from exhausted employees.
Quiet Vacationing Versus Quitting
While both concepts are arguably extreme, they share some differences and similarities. For example, both acts stem from employees who are facing an increase in mental health disorders and burnout. Moreover, both are, from the employee’s perspective, fair and ensure they feel valued and respected because they’re balancing work with everyday life. However, the two differ because quiet vacationing walks a finer line.
For example, companies are unhappy about employees’ lack of honesty and integrity, i.e. sending emails after hours to give the illusion they’re working overtime. Yet employees are exhausted and are feeling hopeless as things continue to change, such as the cost of healthcare or the retirement age. Experts warn that an increase in quiet vacationing may be a sign that a company doesn’t offer employees “enough balance” for paid time off.
Needs and Wants
Older millennials, those in their later 30s and early 40s, have gotten on board with this trend but are doing so “under the radar” with hopes of protecting their employment status while not sacrificing valuable time with their loved ones or their mental well-being.
The Internet Comments
While news reports continue to circulate, many people have a lot to say regarding the trend of quiet vacationing. Some have jokingly referred to it as a sure way to get fired while others are empathetic to the struggles of average Americans. Moreover, others have expressed concerns that misconceptions and dishonesty from media sources have played a key role in these misunderstandings.
Either way, quiet vacationing is a trend that ensures employees feel refreshed and calm enough to tackle their jobs. Moreover, so long as their job is being fulfilled promptly, many feel that they have a right to take a few minutes to breathe, have a snack, or run an errand now and then.