What do you mean with "working"? Working on your house or garden is a correct thing for sure. To work for another employer depends on your contract - but usually would be not correct. To work on your Project - depends: In Germany it's not correct if you're employed, since there is workforce law that says "vacation is to recreate and relax". But that law is not applicable if you're an owner of the company or a freelancer. From a personal perspective: It depends on what you mean with "working": if there's urgent need for firefighting, it's O.K. for me, but then I would pause my vacation (thats in line with German law and my contract). I fully agree with German law in that vacation is for recreation and relaxation - you owe it to your health and therefore to your (future, if you currently have none) family. Of course, I know there are different views in different areas of the world. So again, it depends. But nevertheless, the statement about health is true, regardless of the area of the world - only the value given to that is different.
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1 reply by Bala S Duvvuri
Jul 06, 2016 3:55 AM
Bala S Duvvuri
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Thanks for the reply Rolf Dieter.
I mean working by working on a project like as normal though i am on vacation.
Saving Changes...
Bala S DuvvuriProject Manager| ShellBangalore, Karnataka, India
Jul 06, 2016 2:12 AM
Replying to Rolf Dieter Zschau
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Hello, Bala.
What do you mean with "working"? Working on your house or garden is a correct thing for sure. To work for another employer depends on your contract - but usually would be not correct. To work on your Project - depends: In Germany it's not correct if you're employed, since there is workforce law that says "vacation is to recreate and relax". But that law is not applicable if you're an owner of the company or a freelancer. From a personal perspective: It depends on what you mean with "working": if there's urgent need for firefighting, it's O.K. for me, but then I would pause my vacation (thats in line with German law and my contract). I fully agree with German law in that vacation is for recreation and relaxation - you owe it to your health and therefore to your (future, if you currently have none) family. Of course, I know there are different views in different areas of the world. So again, it depends. But nevertheless, the statement about health is true, regardless of the area of the world - only the value given to that is different.
Thanks for the reply Rolf Dieter.
I mean working by working on a project like as normal though i am on vacation. Saving Changes...
You have to do what you feel is comfortable. If you know something needs checked on during your vacation, use life/work balance to do so. Don't tie yourself to email or your phone, because that defeats the purpose of going on vacation in the first place. Saving Changes...
As a IT Project Manager, I usually take vacations in those phases of the life cycle where after analyzed we don't observe any risk. Usually after blue print or a month after go-life, where the system is stable.
Regarding my team, we schedule all our vacations (Consultants, developers, key users..) also after some agreements and impact or risk analysis.
Each project is different, but always, vacations are vacations and all members of the team need to relax, enjoy, and have fun. I always push the team to leave the computer at the office, and don't check their mails using the smartphone. From my point of view is better 3 days off without connection than 2 weeks where you need to check your email, answer the phone or attend to a meeting in your backyard.
By the way all my comments are based in my experience and cultural background working in Europe and USA, I don't know if in another places or cultures how it runs regarding laws or social environments. Saving Changes...
Avinash KharePM II| MAP-IT Consultant Project ManagementAmbernath (East), Maharashtra, India
I agree with Daniel the purpose of vacation is defeated if you work during the vacation.You can handover the work for the period if possible but for big projects which are running for a considerable period it will be difficult. Saving Changes...
Let us understand why do we need leaves and then move on to working while on leave.
We being human may work for straight 18-20 hrs or may not take even a week off for months when it is required. But when its all over we need some time to refresh ourselves. This is why we need to take leaves. So that our mind and body can relax.
Every project undergoes different phases, hectic ones and lean periods as well. I prefer to take leaves during lean periods so that I could completely relax and be ready for hectic period with my 100% whenever it come.
I fully agree to what maria said "better 3 days off without connection than 2 weeks where you need to check your email, answer the phone or attend to a meeting in your backyard "
Working in India, I understand your point of view, I understand that we think its difficult to have completely relaxed time. But believe me it all depends on our desire. I you really need a completely relaxed vacation you can have it. Saving Changes...
It's important to rest during holidays. I put my phone in the safe and don't turn it on during the holiday period to avoid the temptation.
I'm also lucky that my employer and culture encourages holidays to be just that: holidays. If a team member of mine works on their holiday they'll get a friendly comment: there can't be anything as important as your relaxation /beach day etc Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
I usually check emails once a day while I'm on vacation. I do it from my phone so I am less tempted to do work. I may or may not send replies.
Doing this provides me with a comfort that allows me to relax and enjoy the rest of my day. Saving Changes...
It depends on the existing culture as it is extremely difficult to change the culture.
Better to set the tone in your out of office...saying that ...you do not have access to emails/voice mails etc!!! Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
It is the worst thing a company can do with a person. By the way, if you are on vacation and somebody needs you then something is not working right. Take care mainly if you are a manager.
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1 reply by Richard Bostock
Aug 19, 2018 9:40 AM
Richard Bostock
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Absolutely agree. Also beware of setting a precedent. If you make yourself available to someone's exaggerated demands, then people will not think twice before repeating them.
Part of our responsibility as professionals, especially project managers, is to ensure we are leaving a good legacy. Projects are not forever! Ensuring our company can function as usual despite our temporary absence is simply good planning.
Love can sweep you off your feet and carry you along in a way you've never known before. But the ride always ends, and you end up feeling lonely and bitter. Wait. It's not love I'm describing. I'm thinking of a monorail.
