As the holiday season approaches, a new trend of "Hushed Holidays" is emerging, adding to the growing list of topics employees feel they need to stay quiet about. This trend is expected to expose more under-the-radar habits among American workers hoping to take time off.
A History of 'Hushed Workplace Trends'
The prediction of "Hushed Holidays" isn't baseless; it follows a history of similar trends that have gained traction since 2023:
- "Coffee badging": Employees would show up at the office, swipe their badge, grab a coffee, and then return home to work remotely, defying return-to-office (RTO) mandates.
- "Hush-cations" or "quiet vacations": Remote employees, particularly younger workers, took secret trips without requesting PTO or disclosing their location to employers.
- "Hushed hybrid": Managers made their own rules, choosing not to enforce RTO policies to align with team preferences and retain talent.
Luck Dookchitra, vice president of people at Leapsome, explains that managers are prioritizing their team's needs and engaging in the "hushed hybrid" trend to maintain morale, boost productivity, and retain engaged staff, regardless of their work location.
The Emergence of 'Hushed Holidays'
As the holidays approach and travel demand increases, leaders expect the "hush" trend to re-emerge as "Hushed Holidays." Doug Dennerline, CEO of Betterworks, believes that when employees feel they must sneak around to take a break, it signals a fundamental flaw in the relationship between leadership and the workforce.
"The 'hushed holidays' trend isn't just about employees needing a breather," Dennerline says. "It signals a lack of trust in the workplace, often accompanied by a feeling that the organization values productivity over people."
Dennerline suggests that this trend highlights a disconnect between employees' need for rest and the culture surrounding PTO at many companies. An "always available" culture can lead to stress and burnout, with employees feeling penalized or judged for taking time off.
To prevent "Hushed Holidays," Dennerline recommends that organizations foster an environment of openness around PTO use. This can be achieved through transparent PTO policies, reminders about the importance of taking breaks, and encouraging managers to lead by example.
Addressing this issue proactively—by offering flexible PTO, promoting wellness, and supporting holiday shutdowns—can help employees recharge during the holidays and reinforce a positive, trust-centered workplace environment that benefits both individuals and the organization.
"Hushed Holidays" can negatively impact company culture, leading to a lack of transparency and trust among employees and leadership. Dennerline believes that a transparent PTO culture can increase morale, reduce burnout, and strengthen company loyalty in the long term.
"Well-rested, recharged employees can contribute more effectively to business success than their burnt-out counterparts," he concludes. "Embracing creative PTO options not only empowers employees to fully unplug but also positions your organization as a supportive and valued place to work."