Job Expert Q&A: Vacation Time

Technology is an amazing thing. You can check e-mail at a baseball game, receive phone calls while camping, and get wireless access through your laptop in the middle of a lake. But while the wonders of science never cease, sometimes you need to get away from it all.

While today's gadgets are friends to today's worker, they can also be foes: 33 percent of workers say they will be checking in with the office while on vacation, according to CareerBuilder.com?s annual survey. Adding even more stress to a supposed rest period, 22 percent of workers say their bosses expect them to stay in touch while away from work, up from 16 percent in 2004.

Technology has created an e-leash of sorts where workers can be reached anytime, anywhere. One-in-ten workers report they check in with the office while on vacation at least once a day. This defeats the whole purpose of getting away and spending quality time with family and friends.

And while time away from the office is an effective way to relieve tension and recharge for the tasks ahead, 35 percent of workers say they feel still stressed about work even when they are on vacation. This can be attributed to scaled-down staffing, so-called emergencies or the dread of returning to a mountain of accumulated work.

Here are answers to workers' most common concerns about making the most of their time off and leaving the office at home.

Q: Those first few days are so hectic. How can I make sure I'm not overwhelmed when I return from vacation?
A: Schedule your time off far in advance. Not only will you guarantee a great airfare, but you'll be able to better manage your workload and prepare co-workers and clients for your absence. And take an extra day if you can to take care of laundry, stock up your refrigerator, reset your body clock or even get a head start on your work e-mail.

Q: I want to make myself accessible while I'm away, but only for emergencies. What should I do?
A: Make one co-worker, and only one, your point person. Give them your phone number and permission to contact you if an emergency pops up. If you must check in with the office, schedule specific days and times that you will do so that you aren't answering e-mail or returning phone calls three times a day.

Q: How do I shake the guilt that comes with taking a vacation?
A: You've worked hard and earned your time off. Preparation is the key to banishing guilt. Improve your planning and scheduling -- the more you prepare, the less you'll worry about the work you're leaving behind.

Q: I'm new on the job but have a vacation planned. What should I do?
A: Weddings, family and class reunions and vacations abroad are some of the events that people schedule far in advance. Let your boss know as soon as you start or as soon as you find out about it so you can prepare and also make sure you have enough time off.

Q: I won't be available at all while I'm out of the office. How do I make sure all my work is covered?
A: Completely leaving work behind is necessary for achieving total relaxation and rejuvenating your spirit. Make sure you let people know when you'll be out and when you're expected to return. Your voice mail and e-mail messages should include contact information during your absence. Train people to take over the tasks you've left for them and take time to do it well; otherwise, you'll pay for it in the end.

Q: My boss just assigned a huge project due the week I return from vacation. Do I have to cancel my trip?
A: Sometimes unanticipated projects crop up and clash with the best-laid plans. Ask your supervisor what the project expectations are, your role and how your time away might interfere.

Q: I'm burned-out but my boss says now is not a good time for me to be out of the office. What should I do?
A: Sometimes all you need is a long weekend. Breaks, even short ones, are beneficial. They reduce stress, improve productivity and lift your spirits. Try scheduling one or two three-day weekends over a short period of time and don?t connect with work at all.

Rosemary Haefner is CareerBuilder.com's Vice President of Human Resources and Senior Career Advisor. She is responsible for developing and implementing strategies for employee relations, organizational design, benefits management, recruiting, talent retention and community outreach.