Robert Andrison
JAKARTA — A recent study in 2026 reveals a surprising fact: 73 percent of all employees across various sectors in Indonesia, and globally, continue to perform their professional duties while on vacation. This phenomenon, often misunderstood as a result of digital technology's dominance, is instead said to be rooted in deep social conditioning.
Leading work psychologist, Johann Weichbrodt, stated that the main problem is not advanced gadgets or internet connectivity, but rather the expectations and societal norms that unconsciously entrap individuals in a continuous work cycle. "The problem is not the technology, but social conditioning," Weichbrodt emphasized in a recent interview, highlighting the essence of this issue.
Weichbrodt explained that the primary trap making it difficult for employees to disconnect from work during vacation is the presence of internal and external pressures. Often, individuals feel guilty or worried about falling behind if they do not check emails or respond to work messages, even when they are on a much-needed private break.
Superiors play a crucial role in shaping this work culture. If leaders consistently send emails or request responses outside working hours, even when employees are on leave, this implicitly creates an expectation that everyone must always be on standby. Such an environment gradually erodes the boundaries between professional and personal life, making them blurry and indistinct.
This phenomenon is further complicated by the emergence of Generation Z in the job market. Weichbrodt observes that this generation has unique characteristics in interacting with the working world. They are known to value work-life balance, yet ironically, they also grew up in an era where digital connectivity is the norm, making the boundaries between work and non-work increasingly vague for them.
This shift in expectations does not only come from superiors but also from colleagues and even oneself. A fast-paced and competitive work culture often makes individuals feel obligated to constantly demonstrate dedication, even at the expense of essential rest time.
Consequently, many employees experience what Weichbrodt calls a "fake vacation," where the body is in a recreational place, but the mind remains fixated on office matters. This condition not only hinders physical and mental recovery but can also trigger chronic stress and burnout.
To break this cycle, Weichbrodt suggests that individuals consciously set firm boundaries. This includes turning off work notifications, deactivating work-related applications from personal devices, and committing to not checking emails for the duration of the vacation. Clear communication with superiors and colleagues before taking leave is also very important for managing expectations.
Moreover, the role of companies in building a culture that supports rest is vital. Explicit policies regarding the right to completely disconnect from work during vacation, as well as training for managers on the importance of respecting these boundaries, need to be seriously implemented in 2026 and beyond.
Weichbrodt highlights that this change is not about rejecting technological advancement, but about using it wisely and humanely. Technology should be a facilitating tool, not a shackle binding individuals to endless work. Collective awareness and joint efforts are needed to restore the true meaning of vacation.
If allowed to persist, this condition has the potential to decrease long-term productivity, increase burnout rates, and stifle innovation. A healthy work environment is the foundation for happy and productive employees, and ultimately, for organizational success.
This phenomenon also raises questions about the future of work and how future generations will navigate professional demands without sacrificing personal well-being. Education on work-life balance and the ability to "switch off" from work becomes an essential skill in the modern era.
Ultimately, the solution lies in understanding that vacation is not merely a right, but a fundamental need for mental and physical health. Fostering a culture where "disconnecting" completely during vacation is valued, not scorned, will be a revolutionary step in the contemporary world of work.
