Earlier in the pandemic “work-cations”, or working remotely while traveling safely, was lauded as the perfect blend of pleasure and productivity. But many workers quickly realized that the convenience of remote work – 24-hour access to items on your to-do list thanks to digital tools – made maintaining a work-life balance impossible. Screen time was at an all-time high for most workers, a Booking.com survey of more than 24,000 travelers across 31 countries shows. Of those polled, 49 percent claimed to have worked more hours and used less leave during the pandemic. Tellingly, 73 percent of respondents said future holidays would be strictly work-free. And it seems that remote work is here to stay, as companies discover its cost-saving benefits. Here’s how to set boundaries and disconnect, to make the arrangement work for you.

1. Firstly, recognize that you need, and deserve, a break. Americans with paid time off hesitate to use it, a 2018 survey by Bankrate shows. Out of 1,000 respondents aged 18 and older, only 36 percent of those with paid vacation planned to use it all in a year. And an unfortunate 13 percent didn’t intend to take any days off. High workload and short staffing are often cited as reasons why workers can’t take vacations.

If you find yourself feeling that being tethered to your desk is unavoidable, whether you work from home or in the office, think of the positive impact a rest can have. Numerous studies show that time off improves worker productivity. And more importantly, admitting that you need and want time for play is a way to honor and take care of yourself. If escaping for the traditional two-week trip isn’t possible, consider taking a shorter vacation. Some time is better than no time. You can also plan your vacations around down-times at work, if you’re concerned about leaving the company in a bind.

2. Establish a clear definition of work emergencies with your supervisor, clients, co-workers and whoever else should be in the know. And remember that though you are a stellar employee, the ship won’t sink without you. Prior to departure, enable your team to thrive in your temporary absence by smoothly transitioning tasks, and leave ample time to address any questions that may come up about your duties. That way, your stand-in feels more confident handling things on her own, without texting you while you’re bikini clad. Include your capable colleague’s contact information in your out-of-office email and voicemail responses.

3. Set your phone on airplane mode throughout your trip, so that you can take pictures of vacation highlights, while remaining blissfully undisturbed. But if you absolutely can’t help but fret about not checking work emails, try to set a specific time each day to sign in. It’s best if that moment isn’t during the day, so that you don’t get caught up in an office email chain.

4. Keep in mind, that peace of mind doesn’t solely come from leaving the grind behind. Allianz Travel Insurance can protect you with benefits such as reimbursement of expenses due to covered baggage loss and damage, and covered reasons for trip cancellation or postponement. And if your return to the office is impeded by a travel delay that has you stranded, Allianz Travel Insurance can reimburse you for eligible food, transit, and accommodation expenses incurred.

If you do keep your phone on hand while on vacation, it would be helpful to download the Allyz® app for 24-hour assistance, filing claims on the go, location-based safety alerts and other helpful features.

5. Reprioritize your weeks before your vacation to focus on tasks that absolutely can’t be postponed. Popular advice says to put in more hours before vacation, so that your plate is completely empty before signing off. However, that can leave you feeling even more burnt-out ahead of your get-away. Avoid this if you can. Instead, use a little extra time for planning your standard work hours ahead of vacation to prioritize those must-dos. Be honest with yourself and your team about what can wait until your return, and what can be delegated with consideration of your co-worker's time.

6. Set up systems that can help you efficiently get back to work after vacation. Block out your calendar on your first day or two back to sort through your urgent to-dos and get a jump start, before new tasks find their way to your desk. It’s also helpful to automate any processes you can before you leave. For example, use an application that creates reports, or set automated filters on your emails so that you can review them easier upon your return. These new hacks may be so stress-alleviating, they become a permanent part of your workflow.

Make sure your travels are protected from the unexpected –  get a quote for travel insurance today.

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