Leisure Guilt
Leisure guilt is the guilt that comes with taking a vacation or a day off from work. You're so anxious about the work you're leaving behind (or will be returning to) that it feels less painful not to take time off.
Behavior and Causes
- We often feel a strong urge to check in with the office while on vacation.
- Workers justify this as being conscientious, but it may stem from fear and anxiety about job security.
- These concerns can be fueled by worries about an overly-competitive coworker, a subordinate coveting one's job, or a critical boss.
Other Reasons
Others, without work-related fear, may avoid vacations because taking time off makes them feel bad or worthless.