MENLO PARK, Calif., July 4 (UPI) -- Fifty-one percent of U.S. executives said they don't plan to check in with the office at all while on vacation, double the number in 2010, a survey says.
The survey, commissioned by Robert Half Management Resources, a provider of professionals on a project and interim basis, was conducted by an independent research firm and included responses from 1,400 chief financial officers.
This year, 8 percent of CFOs said they would check in several times daily, compared to 18 percent in 2010, while 11 percent said they check in once or twice daily this year, down from 15 percent in 2010.
However, 27 percent of th CFOs said they check in several times a week compared to 12 in 2010, 2 percent said once or twice a week, compared to 24 percent in 2010.
"It may indicate that executives have a stronger level of confidence in their teams and processes and feel more comfortable skipping regular check-ins," Paul McDonald, with Robert Half, said in a statement. "They know they can be reached easily if needed."
McDonald advised bosses to clarify with staff on what constitutes a crisis.
"Your definition of a crisis may be different from your team," McDonald said. "Be clear with staff about what situations require escalation and to whom."
However, don't expect staff to "wing it" when away. Give staff a heads up on what issues might arise and how they can address them, McDonald said.
"On your return, thank those who helped the office run smoothly in your absence and note it in their next performance review," McDonald said.