Overworking is normalized in many Latino households—but staying “on” during time off is taking a toll on our health, well-being, and families.
If you’re scrolling through emails or joining work calls during spring break, summer vacation, or even Thanksgiving weekend, you’re not alone. For many Latinos in the U.S., stepping away from work—even when we’re supposed to—is more of a dream than a reality.
Whether it’s pressure to be “available,” guilt over taking paid time off, or a desire to prove our worth in competitive workplaces, Latino workers are especially vulnerable to a growing trend: stresslaxing—feeling stressed out during what should be relaxing time off.
This challenge is made worse by technology. Phones and laptops keep us constantly connected. And in many industries—hospitality, healthcare, logistics, education, service, and even remote work—there’s an unspoken rule: if you’re reachable, you’re expected to respond.
In the U.S., 59% of employees struggle to switch off during their downtime, and 63% feel anxious if they don’t check work emails while away, according to a 2024 survey by the Movchan Agency. This issue is particularly pronounced among immigrant and first-generation professionals, including many in the Latino community, who often feel added pressure to prove themselves, stay employed, or avoid being labeled as “lazy.
According to various workforce surveys, here are the biggest contributors of stress:
- High personal expectations and self-pressure
- Demanding bosses or clients
- Toxic workplace cultures where time off is frowned upon
Here are 7 bad habits that make it hard to unplug:
- Checking work chats and texts—even on WhatsApp
- Reading or replying to work emails
- Jumping on Slack or Teams for “quick” updates
- Following up on projects or client requests
- Using time off to catch up on unfinished tasks
- Doing job-related online training
- Joining work calls or video meetings
These may seem like small things, but over time, they erode our ability to truly rest. And rest isn’t a luxury—it’s essential.
“Vacations allow workers to completely disconnect from job responsibilities. This not only protects physical and mental health, but also improves productivity and overall well-being,” says Haydeé Jaime López, Brand Specialist at Pandapé.
In fact, one HR platform found that:
- 41% of people had to work during vacation due to emergencies
- 29% voluntarily stayed on top of work
- 70% were contacted for job-related tasks while on break
Latinos are one of the hardest-working groups in the U.S., often juggling multiple jobs or caregiving responsibilities. Yet taking time off is sometimes seen as a weakness or privilege. Culturally, many of us were raised to associate work with survival and dignity—rest wasn’t part of the equation.
But today, rest is resistance. Disconnecting helps us show up better—for our families, our communities, and ourselves.
“If employees fear repercussions for taking their paid time off, then there’s a serious cultural issue,” Jaime notes.
Affor Health, a mental well-being organization, says the root problem is hyperconnectivity—we’re always online, always reachable, and always expected to perform.
Here’s what can help:
- Set Boundaries at Work (and Keep Them)
Before your vacation, block your calendar. Set an “out of office” reply. Tell coworkers you’ll be unavailable. You don’t owe anyone your time off.
- Advocate for Digital Disconnection Policies
U.S. labor law doesn’t currently require companies to enforce “right to disconnect” policies like in parts of Europe—but your workplace can still create its own culture. HR and leadership teams can develop guidelines that support uninterrupted vacation time.
- Educate Leaders on Mental Health
Leaders should model and encourage rest. Training managers to recognize burnout and respect downtime creates a healthier workplace for everyone—especially in industries where Latinos are overrepresented.
- Use Technology Wisely
Silence notifications, pause inboxes (tools like Inbox Pause can help), and snooze work-related apps. Technology should serve your boundaries, not break them.
- Spot the Warning Signs
If you’re always tired, anxious, or resentful toward work—even after time off—you might be experiencing burnout. Talk to a mental health professional or community health worker (promotor de salud) who understands your cultural background.
Latino culture is rich with joy, tradition, and family. But we can’t fully celebrate or recharge if we’re mentally stuck at work. True disconnection isn’t selfish—it’s revolutionary.
“Digital disconnection isn’t just a strategy—it’s a necessity,” Affor Health says. “Organizations that protect their workers’ time off see better productivity, creativity, and talent retention.”
So this summer, this holiday season, or even this weekend—log off, breathe, and honor your right to rest.
