written by Studies show that more and more employees work during their vacation due to the fear of appearing less committed to their job.
“Our research shows that engagement is often valued even more than productivity. Ultimately, we want to feel that an employee is truly dedicated—and that’s what we reward more than productivity,” notes Fortune.
90% of Romanian entrepreneurs say they are highly concerned about geopolitical instability, and 83% are worried about inflationary pressures. For 42% of Romanian organizations, labor costs and offering competitive compensation remain major challenges. Over 60% of Romanian companies have a succession plan in place. These are some of the findings from the EY Entrepreneurship Barometer study.
According to the same source, Romania is at a crucial moment for entrepreneurship and business innovation. Over 60% of entrepreneurs are investing in strategic marketing innovation, improving their websites, and 63% are implementing CRM systems.
Why Encouraging Work During Vacation or Promoting “Who Works More” Isn’t the Right Direction
In a professional culture where involvement seems to be valued more than productivity, more and more employees hesitate to completely disconnect from work.
This trend has led to what’s known as the “detachment paradox”—employees who take real vacations, without emails and calls, are often perceived as less dedicated, which can negatively impact their chances of being promoted.
This culture of visible effort is fueled by economic uncertainty and constant pressure to perform. According to the EY Entrepreneurship Barometer, 90% of Romanian entrepreneurs are concerned about geopolitical instability and 83% about inflation. In such a tense context, employees feel the need to stay “present” even outside working hours to avoid being seen as dispensable.
In reality, this behavior increases the risk of burnout and affects long-term productivity.
Who’s to Blame?
Responsibility is shared: employees sabotage themselves out of fear of appearing disengaged, while companies reinforce this model by lacking healthy policies that promote work-life balance.
As highlighted by Revista Cariere, the absence of a clear example from leadership encouraging true disconnection sends the message that rest is optional—or even harmful—to one’s career.
The Employee’s Mental State Is Extremely Important
Vacation is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for mental health. Without a real break, fatigue, anxiety, and irritability build up, and the quality of work declines.
According to the EY Entrepreneurship Barometer, 85% of executives globally believe that having a strategic HR function in the company is essential for business success in the next five years. HR plays a crucial role in defining policies that support mental health, work-life balance, and respecting personal time.
Remember—Your Team Will Cover for You
A well-organized system allows for the temporary replacement of an employee on vacation. This is where organizational culture and maturity come into play—when roles are clear and processes are transparent, colleagues can step in without extraordinary effort.
What Both Sides Stand to Gain (Employee – Employer)
For the employee: restoring internal balance, renewed energy, and mental clarity.
For the employer: a rested employee is a more creative, efficient, and engaged one.
Those who take real vacations are less prone to burnout and more capable of contributing strategically upon their return. Moreover, fostering an environment where taking a break is encouraged promotes trust and responsibility across the team.
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