Insightful Survey Reveals Quiet Vacationing Trend Among Gen Z Workers

Understanding the Surge of Quiet Vacationing Among Gen Z

In 2025, a wave of employees, particularly from Generation Z, has taken to quiet vacationing—taking time off without formally requesting it from their managers. This trend, which blurs the lines between work and personal life, has drawn significant attention from both employers and employees alike. A recent survey conducted by ResumeBuilder.com, a leading resource for career advice, sheds light on this intriguing phenomenon.

The survey, which was carried out in July 2025 with responses from 1,200 full-time workers in the United States, found that a striking 41% of respondents have engaged in quiet vacationing this year. Among the participants, an impressive 66% of Gen Z workers admitted to taking time off without notifying their employer, highlighting their comfort with this somewhat clandestine approach to vacationing.

The Dynamics of Quiet Vacationing

The concept of quiet vacationing has become increasingly popular, especially among young professionals. Unlike traditional vacationing, where employees request leave, quiet vacationing entails taking time off while continuing to maintain the appearance of being engaged with work. This has been particularly prevalent among executives (65%) and fully in-person workers, who also reported resorting to this practice.

Stacie Haller, Chief Career Advisor at ResumeBuilder.com, noted, “Executives often have the flexibility to step away discreetly, while Gen Z workers are more likely to find creative ways to stay connected while traveling or taking time off.” This suggests a shift in workplace culture, where going incognito during vacations has become a strategy for managing workloads and personal time.

The Motivations Behind the Trend

The survey revealed several driving factors for employees opting for quiet vacations. Among those who chose this path, 33% cited saving Paid Time Off (PTO) for future use as their primary reason. Another 14% feared that taking official time off might reflect poorly on their dedication to the job, while 13% simply preferred not to use their PTO under any circumstances. Anxiety over asking for vacation time fell at 8%, as did worries of having their requests denied.

Interestingly, 12% of respondents noted the appeal of being paid out for any unused PTO as a motivating factor, while others expressed concerns about job security during their absences.

Maintaining a Work Persona

Despite being on vacation, the majority of quiet vacationers (approximately 75%) reported actively maintaining the appearance of a full workday. This included tasks such as answering emails (69%), responding to instant messages (60%), and taking calls (54%). Additionally, many attended virtual meetings (49%) and met important deadlines (41%). Some respondents even took the extra step of utilizing technology or artificial intelligence tools to circumvent monitoring software, further illustrating the lengths to which employees will go to blend work with leisure.

A remarkable two-thirds of those who participated in virtual meetings during their quiet holidays opted for virtual backgrounds, cleverly obscuring their actual location from colleagues.

Repercussions of Quiet Vacationing

While quiet vacationing may seem like a harmless way to enjoy personal time, the survey indicated that there are risks involved; 37% of participants revealed that their employers became aware of their quiet vacations. The repercussions for getting caught varied:

- 30% faced denial of promotions.
- 29% missed out on key projects.
- 27% experienced issues with raises.
- 16% even faced termination.

Interestingly, more than half of those who engaged in quiet vacationing reported feeling no guilt about their actions, suggesting a growing acceptance of this practice in work cultures.

Conclusion

The findings of this survey offer a revealing snapshot into the evolving dynamics of work-life balance among younger generations. As more employees embrace quiet vacationing, employers may be prompted to rethink their vacation policies and address the underlying issues driving employees to take time off without formal requests. Understanding this trend is essential for businesses aiming to foster a supportive work environment and retain talent in an era where workplace expectations continue to transform.