“It’s urgent!”: 30 phrases you don’t want to hear when discussing PTO

As summer begins to wind down, many workers are using the last of their hard-earned PTO to soak up the last sunny days of the year. It’s our last chance for a while to unplug and forget about work. You want to ensure you return refreshed, but how can you relax if your manager is encroaching on your time off?

While we all want to put work on the back burner during vacation, many Americans find it difficult to disconnect. According to Forbes, 63% of workers feel anxious if they don’t check work-related emails and texts. One reason for this is that some managers don’t let their employees fully detach from the office. Whether jokingly or because of nerves, certain things managers say before, during, and after your vacation can stick in your mind and keep you tethered to work.

When planning your PTO

1. “You’re going on vacation? Again?”
Skip the guilt trip

2. “It’s urgent, but we can discuss it when you return.”
You should be able to go on vacation without worrying about an “emergency” in the office.

3. “Don’t forget to stay reachable.”
Defend your right to disconnect.

4. “Feel free to text me on WhatsApp,” or “I’ll have my work phone with me.”
No one wants to call their boss on vacation, and you shouldn’t have to.
5. “We’ll manage without you, but it’ll be tough.”
Cue the violins.

6. “It’s going to be crazy when you get back.”
Ignore unnecessary stress.

7. “It’s not a good time to take a vacation.”
You might feel like you need a permanent vacation.

8. “Since you don’t have kids, you can vacation during off-season.”
Not having children doesn’t mean you should put your vacation on hold.

9. “If you go on vacation now, it’ll be chaos here.”
Hello, guilt and emotional blackmail.

10. “You better not be gone too long.”
Or what?

11. “Make sure everything’s wrapped up before you go.”
Rather than being pressured, you can prioritize. Certain work can wait.

12. “We’ll catch up on lost time when you return.”
Because vacations are lost time?

13. “Who’s going to handle things while you’re away?”
It’s not life and death. The company doesn’t rest on your shoulders.

14. “Is there wi-fi where you’re going?”
No! But there’s sun, sea, and sand.

While you’re away

15. “I know you’re on vacation, but can you check this email?”
The right to disconnect was mentioned earlier.

16. “We really need you, can you come back early?”
What kind of work emergency requires this? Plus, if you’re the only reliable person on your team, there’s a problem.

17. “Can you work a few hours from your hotel?”
Between snorkeling, tanning, and evenings out… Don’t expect a yes!

18. “How’s your vacation going?”
It’s nice to ask. However, seeing their name on your phone will instantly turn your thoughts to the office.

Once you’re back in the office

19. “Is it hard to be back at work?”
“No, honestly, I’m thrilled to have stopped lounging in the sun to return to hundreds of emails and endless meetings.”

20. “You didn’t get much of a tan!”
Ouch.

21. “Oh, you went away?” or “Back already?”
Not cool! Although the saying goes that everyone is replaceable, an unnoticed absence isn’t nice.

22. “We worked hard while you were away!”
Translation: “While you were taking it easy, we were picking up the slack.”

23. “Now that you’re rested, we’re ready for you to give it your all!”
Yes, you’ve (hopefully) recharged your batteries, but don’t drain them as soon as you return. Give it time to get in the swing of things.

24. “Did you bring back a souvenir for me?”
You didn’t spend your vacation buying postcards for the whole office.

25. “We had a few problems while you were gone that need to be taken care of right away.”
Translation: Get back to work!

26. “Did you return with some fresh ideas?”
Take time to catch your breath. It can take a minute to get into office mode again.

27. “You have hundreds of emails to deal with, good luck!”
Just what you wanted to hear!

28. “Did you have good weather?”
It was superb!

29. “Your next vacation isn’t until Christmas…”
Thanks for the motivational speech.

30. “We delayed this project until you got back, now it’s your time to shine!”
“Oh, you shouldn’t have… really.”

Translated by Lorraine Posthuma

Photo: Welcome to the Jungle

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