2023-October-03

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No Regrets When It Comes to Work-Life Balance

BY HARRY CALDWELL · SVP CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE · UNITED STATES

WITH HELEN GALL AND LISA CASALEGNO

3 MINUTE READ · 4 MINUTE LISTEN

Have you ever felt like it was impossible to switch off from work?

Checking emails or making quick calls — even during time off or on a much-anticipated vacation with loved ones?

I recently joined Cisco's CX Leadership team after 30 years of working in technology. I thought I had work-life balance figured out, but I didn’t.

During a recent team meeting, I shared a story about personal regret: A cautionary tale. Months later, people still tell me that they remember what I said. I guess I struck a nerve.

The story I shared was about a family vacation that I thought I had enjoyed… until I saw the photographs.

The pictures revealed a different story.

My wife was spending quality time with our kids while I stood in the background, engrossed in work calls.

As a result, I wasn't fully present in either situation.

What's tragic is that upon returning to the office, it was as if I had never left. But I can never recreate that vacation, a once-in-a-lifetime trip for my family.

I shared this cautionary tale to encourage my team to utilize their hard-earned vacation time to rest and recharge.

But there’s also a genuine business case for taking vacations. Studies have shown that those who take time off experience less stress, have better mental health, and a reduced risk of heart disease.

Returning from vacation, employees feel refreshed, recharged, and more productive. Vacation benefits not only the individuals and their families but their coworkers and overall company performance.

Sadly, more than half of U.S. employees report not using all their vacation days.

Some people fear missing out on opportunities, while others feel guilty about burdening their colleagues.

Many believe they can't afford to be away from the office. As I mentioned in that earlier meeting, if your team cannot function without you for a week, it indicates a problem within our organization.

As leaders and managers, we must create an environment where taking vacation is not only acceptable but encouraged. Support each other and celebrate our time away with photos and stories, whether it's a luxurious cruise, an adventurous hike, or a staycation in our own backyards. Sharing these experiences helps strengthen our bonds.

As the seasons change and kids head back to school, let's remember that work-life balance is essential every day of the year.

Paid time off is not merely a perk to attract new hires.

It extends beyond just vacations and is part of a comprehensive well-being program.

I hope you take the time to attend your child's school play or leave work early to catch up with loved ones. Use Time2Give hours to contribute to your community or support a cause close to your heart. And don't forget to take a sick day when needed — your and your coworkers' health is important.

So start planning for the annual shutdown and your next break. Time away from work is precious and beneficial for everyone.

Embrace these opportunities without any regrets. Work will be waiting for you when you return.

Connect everything. Innovate everywhere. Benefit everyone.