Are you on “Paid Time Off” (PTO) this and/or next week? Several of my clients claim they're on PTO. That's what their “away” email says. Yet, they've sent me emails, direct messages, all kinds of interactions.
What gives?
Several possibilities. Too often, they feel they must:
- Finish some work before the end of the year.
- Make some sort of progress on a project.
- Deliver something to another person. Often, that other person is also on PTO, too.
I'm seeing a lot of work and not a lot of time off.
If your organization wants you to take time off, take it.
Here's why:
- You need a break. So do your colleagues.
- Can you really finish something without other people?
- You falsify the various metrics for projects, such as cycle time.
I wrote a management myth about this, called I Am Too Valuable to Take a Vacation.
The more valuable you are to your peers and others in the organization, the more you need a vacation.
If your manager decrees “Paid Time Off” through the end of the year, take that time. Don't placate anyone. Don't give your company your time. They won't give you more money.
You worked for this time off. Take it.
Have a lovely holiday, and I'll be back next week with more posts for your reading pleasure.