Dedication to work is an attribute that may propel an employee towards career advancement. However, most workers think that this entails being on-call all the time, to the point that even vacation time is being intruded by work concerns.

“Summer is fast approaching and I'm looking forward to vacationing somewhere peaceful and quiet.” shares Angeli. “But I know that at the sign of any difficulty in an office project we're handling, my team mates would be calling me on my cell phone. I want to really enjoy my time off but I don't want to endanger the project nor be seen as a deserter by my team. What should I do?”

In this week’s Career Coach discussions, our HR gurus share their tips on how to ensure that when the workplace is out of sight, it should also be out of mind.

“The human body is comparable to a vehicle which loses its effectiveness when overused.” says Thessa Mapua of Partners in Progress Association. “Working too much by putting in overtime or during holidays leads to lower employee morale. It’s a loss both to the employees and the organization. The employee cannot deliver and the organization does not benefit from the employee’s optimum productivity. Thus, a break is a boon, an opportunity to re-invent oneself.”

For anxious would-be vacationers, she has this advice: “Inform all concerned that you are going on a vacation, most often these people you interface with are aware of the hard work you’ve poured into the project and you deserve a vacation. Maybe you could complete the tasks assigned to you ahead of time, prior to your vacation. During your vacation, stay connected, yet be able to unplug by calling your office at certain times and checking in a couple times a week. Realize that you are not as indispensable as you may think. Have faith and trust that your colleagues will deliver.”

Remelu Villareal of Itochu Corporation also recommends meticulous preparation: “Polish all things before leaving. Make sure that very little can go wrong and definitely assign a person who will be in charge while you were gone. Choose the correct person: someone who is responsible, independent and self-sufficient enough to handle the responsibilities. Give strict instructions that only when major problems arise that you are to be called in your mobile.”

If there is a critical problem with the project Beth Miranda-Maik of Sandstone Technology suggests reconsidering the timing of your vacation. “If the team will always ring you each time they encounter difficulty along the way, you won’t experience the peace and quiet that you want to achieve. You might as well postpone the vacation until such time that there are no deadlines to meet and a plan is laid out to ensure that everything is in order while you are away.”

Rested and refreshed minds and bodies do deliver more in terms of quality work. Do set aside time for some rest and relaxation so you can contribute more to your company.