Vacationing CFOs stay in contact with office

Most financial executives may find it is too easy to stay connected to work while on vacation during the holidays. Some 74% of chief financial officers say they check in with the office at least once or twice a week during vacation; 34% maintain that they do so daily, according to a survey developed by Robert Half Management Resources, Menlo Park, Calif., a provider of senior-level accounting and finance professionals on a project and interim basis.

"For CFOs, job pressures build up year-round, and vacations often are delayed because of busy work periods and financial reporting schedules," explains Paul McDonald, executive director of Robert Half. "Even a brief respite can help executives recharge and refocus once they are back at the office."

However, "technology tools such as wireless e-mail devices, laptops, and cell phones make it easy to keep in touch with the office and are frequent companions for vacationing executives. They offer instant connectivity but prevent much-needed breaks from work."

McDonald offers several tips for executives who want to be accessible yet still enjoy plenty of rest and relaxation:

Designate point persons. Inform key parties well in advance of your upcoming absence and appoint someone you trust to manage major projects and daily responsibilities on your behalf.

Provide staff with clear instructions. Let your team know up front which matters would require your immediate attention and those that can wait for your return. Request that they offer solutions to urgent issues they communicate to you.

Be specific in out-of-office messages. State in your out-of-office email responses and voicemail recordings whom to contact for requests in your absence and when you will return to the office.

Determine "check in" times. If you must check e-mail and voicemail, do so during specific times, such as early morning or evening. Let your staff know when you will be checking in to avoid interruptions throughout the day.

Understand the importance of a vacation. Recognize that breaks are a necessity, not a luxury. Do not minimize the value of taking enough time to recharge.

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COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning