Archive · 29 Dec 2025
Ghost Vacationing: Holiday Season's Workplace Trend
Ghost vacationing is when employees take time off work without telling their manager.
It's common during holidays like Christmas and New Year when fewer people are at work.
Many employees do this because they feel burnt out or have mental health concerns.
However, if caught, it can cause problems at work, like getting in trouble or making coworkers upset.
To avoid this, employees should talk to their manager about their concerns and plan their leaves properly.
Managers can help by being more understanding and accommodating during busy periods.
Ghost vacationing is taking unauthorized leave without informing the manager.
Common during holiday seasons like Christmas and New Year.
32% of US employees and 33% of European workers admitted to ghost vacationing.
Root causes include mental health concerns and burnout.
Risks include potential trouble at work, damage to reputation, and co-worker resentment.
- Who
- Employees and managers in workplaces.
- What
- Ghost vacationing is taking unauthorized leave without informing the manager.
- When
- Common during holiday seasons like Christmas and New Year.
- Where
- Workplaces in the United States and Europe.
- Why
- Due to mental health concerns, burnout, and fewer people at work during holidays.
- Definition
- Ghost vacationing is taking time off work without informing the manager.
- Prevalence
- 32% of US employees and 33% of European workers admitted to ghost vacationing.
- Common Time
- Holiday seasons like Christmas and New Year.
- Root Cause
- Mental health concerns and burnout.
- Risks
- Potential trouble at workplace, damage to reputation, co-worker resentment.
- Solution
- Clear communication with manager, planned leaves, and understanding workplace needs.