The new flex balance: Staying connected on vacation

Apparently not.

For those of us working in the PR, marketing, or digital worlds, disconnecting from work is rarely an option; staying plugged in is now an accepted career requirement.

Gone are the days of leaving the office behind and later returning with a post-vacation glow, sifting through the little phone message slips, and easing back into work mode.

That behavior is a thing of the past. Personal devices, Wi-Fi, and businesses’ relying on digital platforms have increased the necessity of staying connected. Further, the communications industry is rife with professionals running startups and small consultancies; being cut off from business even for just a few days can mean putting out fires for the next week.

Rather than bemoan the need to check in, many North American professionals I talked to felt more relaxed by staying tuned into work. Here’s how they do it:

Stop, look, but don’t respond: Being in touch doesn’t mean you have to respond to email; staying informed is often enough to maintain peace of mind while travelling.