Study shows many finance execs can’t leave work behind
Technology is usually a boon to productivity, but it can also be a dagger when it comes to getting away and relaxing.
A recent study of finance executives show many find it’s too easy — and too tempting — to stay connected to work while on summer vacation using tools such as wireless e-mail devices, laptops and cell phones.
More than half (58 per cent) of chief financial officers said they check in with the office at least once or twice a week during their vacation — and nearly a quarter of those (24 per cent) said they do so daily.
The survey of 270 CFOs was developed by staffing firm Robert Half Management Resources and conducted by an independent research firm.
Keeping in touch
CFOs were asked: “During your vacation, how often do you typically check in with the office?”
Their responses:
• Several times daily: two per cent
• Once or twice daily: 22 per cent
• Several times a week: five per cent
• Once or twice a week: 29 per cent
• Do not check in: 36 per cent
• Don’t know/no answer: six per cent
“For CFOs, job pressures build up year-round, and vacations often are delayed because of busy work periods and financial reporting schedules,” said Paul McDonald, executive director of Robert Half Management Resources. “Even a brief respite can help executives recharge and refocus once they are back at the office.”
How to relax
McDonald offered the following tips for executives who want to be accessible yet still enjoy plenty of rest and relaxation:
•Designate point persons. Inform key parties well in advance of your upcoming absence and appoint someone you trust to manage major projects and daily responsibilities on your behalf.
•Provide staff with clear instructions. Let your team know upfront what matters would require your immediate attention and those that can wait for your return. Request they offer solutions to urgent issues they communicate to you.
•Be specific in out-of-office messages. State in your out-of-office e-mail responses and voice-mail recordings whom to contact for requests in your absence and when you will return to the office.
•Determine “check-in” times. If you must check e-mail and voice mail, do so during specific times such as early morning or evening. Let your staff know when you will be checking in to avoid interruptions throughout the day.
•Understand the importance of a vacation. Recognize that breaks are a necessity, not a luxury. Don’t minimize the value of taking enough time to recharge.
A recent study of finance executives show many find it’s too easy — and too tempting — to stay connected to work while on summer vacation using tools such as wireless e-mail devices, laptops and cell phones.
More than half (58 per cent) of chief financial officers said they check in with the office at least once or twice a week during their vacation — and nearly a quarter of those (24 per cent) said they do so daily.
The survey of 270 CFOs was developed by staffing firm Robert Half Management Resources and conducted by an independent research firm.
Keeping in touch
CFOs were asked: “During your vacation, how often do you typically check in with the office?”
Their responses:
• Several times daily: two per cent
• Once or twice daily: 22 per cent
• Several times a week: five per cent
• Once or twice a week: 29 per cent
• Do not check in: 36 per cent
• Don’t know/no answer: six per cent
“For CFOs, job pressures build up year-round, and vacations often are delayed because of busy work periods and financial reporting schedules,” said Paul McDonald, executive director of Robert Half Management Resources. “Even a brief respite can help executives recharge and refocus once they are back at the office.”
How to relax
McDonald offered the following tips for executives who want to be accessible yet still enjoy plenty of rest and relaxation:
•Designate point persons. Inform key parties well in advance of your upcoming absence and appoint someone you trust to manage major projects and daily responsibilities on your behalf.
•Provide staff with clear instructions. Let your team know upfront what matters would require your immediate attention and those that can wait for your return. Request they offer solutions to urgent issues they communicate to you.
•Be specific in out-of-office messages. State in your out-of-office e-mail responses and voice-mail recordings whom to contact for requests in your absence and when you will return to the office.
•Determine “check-in” times. If you must check e-mail and voice mail, do so during specific times such as early morning or evening. Let your staff know when you will be checking in to avoid interruptions throughout the day.
•Understand the importance of a vacation. Recognize that breaks are a necessity, not a luxury. Don’t minimize the value of taking enough time to recharge.
