Executives short on leisure time

Nearly 98 percent of managers plan to take a vacation this summer, but many will remain in contact with the office while away, according to a new survey of 645 business executives conducted by the American Management Association. Only a third of those surveyed (34 percent) plan to be away from the office for more than a week at a time.

Nearly 62 percent of those surveyed will check in with their office at least once a week and as many as 25 percent of them will be in daily contact while on vacation. Thirty-six percent plan to conduct some office-related work, and 16 percent will be in touch with clients or customers at least once a week while away.

Forty percent of those surveyed are required to leave their itinerary or contact phone numbers with their office while on vacation, and nearly 19 percent are required to contact the office while away.

"Clearly, laptops, cell phones and Palm pilots are on the list of items for managers to pack this summer vacation. It seems indicative that the current economy will keep many of them in contact with the office even while away," said Leemor Amado, practice consultant for AMA.

Despite a slow economy, nearly 23 percent of those surveyed will take more time off this summer than in 2001.