September 10th, 2024

What to do if you catch your staff on a quiet vacation, according to an HR exec

Nolan Church, CEO of FairComp, highlights "quiet vacationing" as a response to distrust from excessive employee monitoring, urging companies to foster trust and clear communication for better management outcomes.

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What to do if you catch your staff on a quiet vacation, according to an HR exec

Nolan Church, CEO of FairComp, discusses the rising trend of "quiet vacationing," where employees secretly take time off while appearing to work. This behavior stems from a lack of trust between managers and employees, often exacerbated by excessive monitoring practices. A 2023 survey revealed that 96% of business leaders in remote or hybrid settings use employee-monitoring software, leading to feelings of distrust among workers. Church emphasizes that such surveillance creates a toxic work environment and suggests that companies should focus on fostering trust and clear communication instead. He advises that high-performing employees should be treated with flexibility, while middle and low performers may require different management approaches, including documentation of behavior and opportunities for improvement. Church warns against a one-size-fits-all policy, as it may drive away top talent. He advocates for a management style that prioritizes clear goals and outcomes over mere presence at a desk, highlighting the importance of mutual trust in the employer-employee relationship.

- "Quiet vacationing" is a response to a lack of trust and excessive monitoring in the workplace.

- 96% of remote or hybrid organizations use employee-monitoring software, contributing to employee dissatisfaction.

- High-performing employees should receive special treatment, while others may need structured feedback and improvement opportunities.

- A one-size-fits-all approach to management can lead to the loss of top talent.

- Building a culture of trust and clear communication is essential for effective management.

Link Icon 2 comments
By @jdboyd - 8 months
By @containedgravel - 8 months
Immediate termination doesen't sound like a morale winner in a corporate environment. Giving special treatment to other employees over others doubly so. HR procedures like these should be equal to all employees in the same position