Editor's Corner

This week's note is a bit of a "catch all" as a few items are worth noting.

First, a study reports that today's senior executives and managers don't really detach themselves from work during vacation time. Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of senior executives and managers think about work while on vacation, according to the nationwide survey of 278 senior executives and  managers conducted by NFI Research. While on vacation, over 60 percent of executives and managers check their email, and almost half (47 percent) use the Internet while vacationing. "This lack of true vacation isn't good in business, since many managers aren't getting a real break to re-charge themselves," said Chuck Martin, CEO of NFI Research. Also among the top work-related activities done on vacation are checking voicemail (47 percent), the use of a computer (46 percent) and the use of a PDA (38 percent).

And while maybe you and I don't see that trend as helpful in getting our batteries recharged, one respondent offered a different take on the trend: "Technology has made it easier to be away from the office and to take vacations because we are able to be contacted if an emergent issue arises or a decision needs to be made," said one survey respondent. "I equate this with giving me freedom."

More than half (57 percent) of senior executives and managers are available to people back at work (for day-to-day issues) with 12 percent being extremely available and 45 percent being somewhat available. Executives and managers in small organizations also call the office on vacation (37 percent), more often than those in medium organizations (26 percent) and large organizations (21 percent)."It's often hard to get away, which I think is often the case for small businesses," said another survey respondent.

While I can see the need for small and mid-sized business operators to stay in touch, I think the study's finding are a bit disturbing. After all, 99.99 percent of us are not indispensable and 100 percent of us need downtime and rest to keep moving forward in such a fast-changing industry.

On a different tack, a few Editor's Corners ago I asked readers to share insight on the value of instant messaging in the enterprise. I wanted to share a good response: "Not used here. Too disruptive. Also, we use technology to TALK to one another, very often face-to-face! If we all need to get together we do it in a conference room and/or via conference CALL.  It's so much easier and more direct.  Email is our preferred non real-time means of communication."  Amen to that!

And finally, a quick note about the upcoming FierceMarkets IMS Executive Summit where tech leaders and business colleagues can get both the technical angle AND business case perspective on IMS. The event will connect you to all the leading players and give you practical insight on all the major issues. Plus, if you use the promotional code "JUDY" to sign up, you'll save $200! If interested in attending, visit www.imsevent.com, for registration and more information. The FierceMarkets IMS Executive Summit takes place August 29-30 in Washington, DC. - Judy