 While
on the beach or lounging by the pool, 81% of admins polled clamed they
spend precious vacation time checking voicemails or e-mails. 62% said they
went so far as to take actual work with them when they were out of the
office. “I'm just so busy doing so many things for so many people,
I really can't afford to totally ignore what's going in the office.” said
one polled administrative professional from pharmaceutical giant Pfizer
Inc. “I try to minimize my contact with work while on vacation, but
because I don't have anyone to delegate work to while I'm away, I usually
at least check e-mail first thing in the morning to see what's going on.”
During times of increased responsibility, administrative professionals
are finding it harder and harder to fully separate themselves from the
job, even while enjoying the rest and relaxation of a vacation. Gone
are the days when only the bosses and managers had to check into work
while on vacation. “Back when I started I rarely felt compelled
to even think about work while I was on vacation. But now, I almost feel
guilty if I don't.”
Susan Silva, Desk Demon US Editor thinks both increased responsibilities
and pressure from management has caused such a majority of admins to do
work while on vacation. “While managers may not ask you to work while
on vacation, there is definitely subtle pressure to do so. Admins are an
integral part of the office like never before and we're expected to go
above and beyond the parameters of the job.” |
