By DAVE SIMANOFF
The Tampa Tribune

(Insert today’s date here)

TO: (Insert your boss’s name)

FR: (Insert your name)

RE: My fabulous (insert location of your choice) vacation

I’m going on vacation (insert the date you’re leaving on vacation ). I’m not going to bring my laptop computer. I’m not bringing my BlackBerry. I’m going to shut my cell phone ringer off.

And I’m doing it all for the good of the company.

You see, we Americans don’t leave the office when we go on vacation. We stay tethered to our work, on top of our projects, in control of every last e-mail message and phone call.

When we maintain our productivity but deprive ourselves of the chance to relax, to unwind, to disconnect ourselves from the hive, that’s not good for us, as workers, in the long run. And experts agree that it’s not good for you, as employers, either.

“Let’s talk about people that don’t take breaks - they’re overworked, they’re stressed to the max. They may be pretty good prodders, but the work starts to get slack, it starts to get sloppy, it starts to get disorganized,” says Womenspeak.com founder Nancy D. O’Reilly, a clinical psychologist and former employee assistance program director.

People who don’t occasionally disconnect themselves from their work don’t just get distracted - they can become physically sick. O’Reilly spoke about ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches and chronic pain.

O’Reilly says savvy managers, like you, should look at distraction-free vacations as an investment.

“It’s like professional development,” she says. “It’s keeping your employees sharp.”

So, what does a good boss receive in return for letting workers unwind on vacation? Employees who are more effective, loyal and dedicated.

“They pay back with what’s called discretionary effort,” says Carroll Lachnit, executive editor for Workforce Management magazine. “They overdeliver. They’re not just punching the clock when they’re there. They’re really giving much more effort.”

So, you see, it’s not just in my best interest to have a relaxing, detached vacation. It’s in your best interest. It’s good for my co-workers and the company.

My bags are packed and I’m ready to go.

Sincerely,

(Sign your name here)

Reporter Dave Simanoff can be reached at (813) 259-7762 or dsimanoff@tampatrib.com, but don’t try reaching him this week. He’s on vacation.

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