While most financial executives can't resist calling work when they're on summer vacation, it appears that more might be making an effort to avoid doing so.

Sixty-nine percent of chief financial officers interviewed for a new Robert Half Management Resources survey said they check in with the office at least once or twice a week during vacation, but that's down from 74 percent five years ago.

Robert Half, which is based in Menlo Park, Calif., and claims to be the world's top provider of senior-level accounting and finance professionals on a project and interim basis, developed the survey. It was conducted by an independent research firm and included responses from 1,400 CFOs from a random sample of U.S. companies with 20 or more employees.

CFOs were asked, "During your summer vacation, how often do you typically check in with the office?" Eighteen percent of respondents said they check in several times daily, and 15 percent said they check in once or twice daily. Twelve percent said they check in several times a week, and 24 percent said they check in once or twice a week. Twenty-six percent said they don't check in at all.

"On the heels of this recent recession, managers recognize that while there is always more work that can be done, taking the time to relax and re-energize ultimately makes them more productive," says Paul McDonald, executive director of Robert Half Management Resources. "Even a brief respite can help executives recharge and refocus once they are back at work."

McDonald added, "While it is impossible for most CFOs to disconnect entirely, having a strong team in place makes it more manageable to get away. Executives who groom direct reports to take on leadership roles will have an easier time letting these staff members make business decisions in their absence."

McDonald offers these tips to help managers ensure their time away truly feels like a vacation:

•Schedule ahead. Aim to leave the office during a light period or when key staff members aren't on vacation. Those in the office won't be stretched too thin by your absence or feel the need to be in constant contact with you.

•Decide on a point person early. A few weeks in advance, designate a senior person you trust to manage day-to-day responsibilities during your absence.

•Notify contacts and clients. Make certain clients and other business contacts are aware when you'll be gone.

•Divide assignments. Unless the project requires the focus of your most senior person, distribute tasks to multiple senior staff members to ensure that work gets completed and to avoid overburdening any single employee.