tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20636240.post2327192222121433106..comments2009-10-07T17:51:57.176-04:00Comments on Work/Life/Law 3.0: Problems with VacationProfessor Prenkerthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16376139737429352787noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20636240.post-64161336996550407242008-04-23T10:50:00.000-04:002008-04-23T10:50:00.000-04:00There is no question that companies go too far wit...There is no question that companies go too far with their employees. I have had the same experience Stephanie talked about with her dad. My dad gets something like five weeks a year for vacation but rarely even takes two. When we are on vacation he always has his blackberry with him and has at least three or four conference calls a day. It does not seem like vacation to me but to an extent I understand why it has to happen. With technology today event happen quicker in the workplace and being gone for 7 plus days can make a huge difference in a project or deal. It makes sense to spend maybe 30 minutes each morning checking e-mails to confirm no major crisis have arisen. <BR/><BR/>I know when I start work given it is an extreme environment my situation will be similar. Even as an intern last summer co-workers were telling me that when you do take vacation go as far away and to a remote as possible place. They said this for two reasons. One, if you are in a remote area there is a good chance your blackberry will not work which can make you free for a week. Two, if you are far enough away the cost for them to fly you back early would outweigh the need to have back in the office. Yes, it seems crazy that people would go to these extremes just to be able to enjoy vacation but with technology that is where our society is heading. I agree though with Abbey, if more people could just stand up and say no I want this vacation you have allegedly given me maybe things would change. While this seems unfair to the employee, it is the standard we have set as a society and one that most likely is not going to change anytime soon.Kylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14280465728298965947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20636240.post-70648985676038688692008-04-23T09:49:00.000-04:002008-04-23T09:49:00.000-04:00I totally agree that companies (and the government...I totally agree that companies (and the government) need to create vacation policies that provide strong incentives for people to take time off—i.e. use it or lose it policies or no cash-out options. Some companies have really great vacation policies to encourage people to take time off. One such policy is through Netflix and their policy states: <BR/><BR/>"Take as much as you'd like. Just make sure your work is done”-- http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07092/773993-28.stm<BR/><BR/>I’m of the mindset if vacations in U.S. society were more socially acceptable, more people would take the time they are allotted. In addition, if vacations were more acceptable all employees would demand vacations; thereby, decreasing the number of employees who receive no paid vacation time.Studenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05506100507764627122noreply@blogger.com