Bristi Dey
When it comes to taking time off in a professional setting, many of us end up using sick leaves for trips or saving up their paid leave for a much-needed vacation. But once you’re finally away, how much of your vacation should you share with colleagues and professional contacts? Here are some things to share, and a few that are best kept to yourself.
Avoid oversharing or boasting
When it comes to work relationships, there always should be a boundary. Oversharing about the details of your upcoming vacation can often turn into an unexpected scene at the office. Share the vacation place and time not the whole itinerary.
Sharing the overall cost is a no-go
Details about an expensive stay or an over-the-price flight tickets might make the conversation a bit uncomfortable. So, a basic information is all that is required.
Vacation equals to not available!
If you have agreed to deal with a certain important issue during your time off, schedule that time and let the calls or meeting be just in that timespan. Showing your availability like regular work days is a no go. The best way to relax and recharge is to not attend any work calls at all.
Be careful with social media posts
If you have opted for a sick leave and ran off to the mountains, remember to post on social media keeping the timeline of your sickness in mind. No matter how personal your social media is, it is at the end of the day a networking platform and the colleagues would definitely know!
Keep back-up up to date
Every employee should have someone designated to handle their responsibilities in their absence. Before leaving for vacation, make sure your point of contact (POC) is fully briefed on ongoing tasks, deadlines and any potential issues. If a client reaches out while you’re away, let them know you’re unavailable, mention when you’ll be back and connect them with the relevant POC
The golden rule!
Share enough to be friendly and relatable, but professional relationships still have boundaries and colleagues are not always a friend. Bring the context of your vacation without overdoing it in a way that might spite your colleague against you!