For many employees, the holiday season delivers a mix of joy and stress—especially at work. A major source of that pressure is unclear work boundaries and the expectation to stay “always on,” even during time off. A new Modern Health survey found that 57% of employees feel obligated to check email while on holiday, and the same percentage say their employer fails to acknowledge the emotional and financial strain of the season.
“The holidays are meant to be restorative, but for many employees they’ve become a perfect storm of financial worry, work and family pressure, and emotional strain,” said Dr. Jessica Watrous, Chief Clinical Officer at Modern Health. “Even small acts of flexibility and understanding from employers can help ensure everyone feels supported throughout the season.”
That’s why setting clear boundaries before you unplug is essential. Whether you’re aiming for a full digital detox or simply want fewer interruptions during family time, these seven strategies will help you protect your personal time without harming your professional reputation.
1. Start the Conversation Early
Timing matters. Speak with your manager at least two weeks ahead of your vacation so they have time to make adjustments and plan around your absence. Early communication signals professionalism and respect for business needs.
Action step: Schedule a brief meeting this week to review your holiday plans. In the meeting—or in a follow-up email—outline your exact dates off and your availability during that period.
2. Be Clear and Specific About Your Availability
Vague boundaries rarely work. Instead of saying you’ll be “mostly unavailable,” provide direct, concrete details. For instance, you’ll check email once daily at 9 a.m. for emergencies only, or you’ll be completely offline with a designated colleague covering urgent matters. Also clarify what truly qualifies as an emergency.
Action step: Document your planned availability—including check-in times and definitions of an emergency—and confirm alignment with your manager.
3. Prepare Comprehensive Handoff Documentation
One of the best ways to prevent mid-vacation interruptions is to ensure work can run smoothly without you. A thorough handoff with project updates, key contacts and any foreseeable issues helps your team stay on track and reduces the need for holiday outreach.
Action step: Prepare a detailed handoff with project statuses, next steps, important contacts and potential risks. Share it at least a week before you leave.
4. Propose a Backup Plan
Address leadership’s concerns proactively by identifying a colleague who can cover your responsibilities. Introduce them to relevant stakeholders and make sure they have the access and context they need. This shows you’re thinking about business continuity—not just your time off.
Action step: Select a backup contact, brief them thoroughly and introduce them to anyone who may need support in your absence.
5. Frame Boundaries Around Performance and Productivity
Instead of positioning your boundaries as a personal need, explain how true rest supports better performance. Research backs this up: a study of U.K. and U.S. employees published in BMC Psychology found that higher sleep quality directly correlates with increased work engagement and creativity. Disconnecting allows you to return energized and more effective.
Action step: Share one specific example of how rest has boosted your performance in the past, framing your time off as an investment in future productivity.
6. Set Up Your Out-of-Office Systems
Your tech setup should reinforce—not undermine—your boundaries. Create an out-of-office message with your return date, your emergency contact person and when you’ll respond to non-urgent messages. Use filters to sort incoming emails automatically. Many professionals even disable notifications or temporarily remove work apps during their break.
Action step: The day before you leave, finalize your out-of-office message, set up your email filters and remove work communication apps from your phone.
7. Follow Through Consistently
The most important part of boundary-setting is actually honoring the boundaries you created. If you said you wouldn’t check email, stick to it. Inconsistent behavior signals that your limits are optional. When you return, avoid apologizing for being offline. A simple, confident “I’m recharged and ready to jump back in” is enough.
Action step: Share your boundary commitments with a colleague or friend who can help hold you accountable. When you return, focus on engagement—not apologies.
Setting holiday work boundaries requires clear communication, thoughtful planning and consistent follow-through. By starting the conversation early, clarifying your availability and highlighting the mutual benefits of true rest, you can protect your personal time without compromising your professional standing. Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re essential for sustainable performance. Your future well-being and career success depend on your ability to recharge.