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AIBU?

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Original poster

At what level of salary/responsibility is it reasonable to check/respond to emails on holiday?

82 replies

NameChanger400 · 23/09/2025 08:49

There is an unwritten rule at my work that those who are senior / well paid will still keep an eye and support/input as needed even on holiday.

YANBU - everyone deserves a break, even the CEO, PM etc!
YABU - if you are paid over X amount and have the responsibility, then it’s par for the course to always be available (and opinions on X amount would be helpful!)

OP posts:
Swiftie1878 · 23/09/2025 09:08

Only business owners should be working whilst on holiday.

LandSharksAnonymous · 23/09/2025 09:07

Context matters massively.

Raab laying on a beach when Afghanistan fell, was rightly incredibly criticised.

Likewise, if I was a CEO or a PUS at a Govt. dept No. I wouldn’t take time off completely - I’d always be contactable for urgent business.

In my current role, I switch off completely - but I am neither important nor relevant.

People talk too much about ‘leading by example and taking time off’ and it’s usually an excuse to drop the ball. If something you are responsible for, or need to make decisions on, is kicking off and those decisions should only be made by you…then you should be working.

Redcliffe1 · 23/09/2025 09:07

I think everyone needs the chance to switch off.

eurochick · 23/09/2025 09:05

I can’t vote as I agree with both options. It is par for the course but that doesn’t mean it is right because everyone deserves a break.

3luckystars · 23/09/2025 09:04

I would not expect anyone to check their emails on holidays. Unless it was their own business.

I don’t think it’s anything to do with money. Everyone needs holidays and a break from work.

HerewardtheSleepy · 23/09/2025 09:00

I once worked for a US employer who would not allow access to work emails when you were on holiday.

I admit their concern was more fraud prevention than the well-being of their employees.

CatRescueNeeded · 23/09/2025 08:56

I think it’s all within context really, taking into account what’s going on at work and where the individual is going on holiday

For example someone on honeymoon doing an African safari wouldn’t be expected to check-in but someone that has taken time off to do DIY might say to the team that they can text if they need something

It is a bit of an unwritten rule that senior managers and above (so probably about £70k) will keep an eye on emails but it’s certainly not expected or frowned upon if something happens and they aren’t aware