Lying to one's boss about Wi-Fi access and cell reception while on vacation is a growing trend among Americans.
A new survey finds a lot of folks are likely to fib when taking time off from work. And, nearly half of working Americans said lying to stay out of contact with the office is acceptable, according to the 2019 Vacation Confidence Index. In fact, this issue affects more than two-thirds of workers on vacation.
UNO business professor, Mark Rosa, says it's an unfortunate sign of the times.
"The technology has really kept us too tethered. There are so many mechanisms by which you can reach out to somebody now."
But, he says those technologies have gotten so good that bosses aren't likely to buy a lie about no phone reception or Wi-Fi access.
And, he says, being accessible, for executives in particular, often comes with the job.
"The higher your position, the harder it is to untether yourself from everything and say 'Well, I don't have to respond to anything.' You're kind of not expected to be a 9 to 5er anymore."
Still, many employees feel that work obligations should not encroach on their personal time. And, Rosa says that's understandable.
"People are trying to separate themselves from the office a little bit and genuinely unwind, as business can be hectic."
However, he says answering those after-hours phone calls, emails and text messages is likely required at the executive level.
"I think it behooves that executive, if that's what the person's position is, to take that call, to field that email. Now, email is a little bit better, because there's more flexibility in it. That phone ringing seems like it's more demanding of somebody's attention."
Still, he says bosses may need to do a better job respecting boundaries and not bother their employees when they're off the clock. And many are waking up to the reality that they need to allow employees to unplug, literally and figuratively.
Often, that's not just good for morale, it also helps boost productivity.
According to the Vacation Confidence Index, by Allianz Global Assistance, the likelihood of an employee lying to avoid office contact outside the normal workday varies among different age groups and pay ranges. The survey found that Millennials are most likely to lie (59%), while Gen X'ers are in second (49%) and Boomers in third (32%).
