Need a Vacation but Worried About Workload?

According to a recent study, 37% of workers regret taking vacations due to their workloads. And 41% of people feel bad when they miss more than a week of work.

Given the extreme stress that people experience at work, it is easy to understand why. According to the same poll, nearly 50% of employees don't use all of their annual leave, and 57% report that their bosses have been in touch with them when they take a vacation.

But taking time off has many advantages for both employers and employees. How can you make sure you unwind and recharge during your holiday without being concerned about your work?

 

Before you take your vacation:

1. Talk to your supervisor, coworkers, and subordinates

Make sure your supervisor, coworkers, and subordinates know that you'll be away and intend to unplug well ahead of your vacation. As you get closer to your holiday, assign tasks as needed and be sure to account for any unexpected complications or problems. Remind your coworkers just before you depart.

 

2. Set an out-of-office message

Set an automated out-of-office message for the time you'll be out of the office. The response should include:

• The date of your departure,

• The date of your return (or when they can anticipate a response),

• The name and contact details of the person to call in case of emergency, and

• Any other relevant information.

 

3. Select the date of your vacation carefully

Try to schedule your trip around a time when your company is usually less busy and when there are no urgent deadlines. Both you and your supervisor will feel less stressed as a result.

 

When you're on your vacation:

4. Keep in mind the advantages of taking some time off

According to research, spending vacation time is linked to improved employee wellness, increased innovation, and productivity. 

So, when you're away, whenever guilt sets in, simply remember that you're not just treating yourself to a much-needed break; you're also benefiting your employer and becoming a better employee.

 

5. Limit your time checking emails

You're familiar with the apps that let you shut off distractions while working, right? While taking a break, use them to your advantage to block out the distraction of work. For instance, lock your business email on your phone for a set amount of time so you won't be tempted.

Give yourself a few minutes to check your email, but keep them to a minimum if you know you'll get anxious if you can't and won't be able to enjoy your vacation.

 

After the vacation:

6. Wait until your vacation is finished before signing on again

Your plane will touch down on a Friday. Hence, the first thing you should do is check your email and begin answering, right? False. 

Remember that your vacation doesn't end until you're actually back on the clock, so wait until it's time to clock in. You don't have to immediately return to your working mindset when you're physically back at work.

 

7. Check your inbox and tackle your to-do list, one by one

At first, your to-do list and inbox will appear overwhelming. Do not, however, become alarmed if you see a large number of unread emails. You have anticipated this. Instead, work your way up from the bottom, identifying the most urgent matters so you can decide how to prioritise them. 

Before working on anything else, you might want to check in with your supervisor in case they need to provide you with any crucial information. Consider each step as it comes.

 

8. Reflect on how your vacation or time off will help your career

Finally, think about how taking time off would improve rather than hurt your career lest you start regretting it. Your energy has been restored, which will help you perform more effectively and efficiently. 

Hopefully, you've also developed a fresh perspective, which will foster your creative thinking. Most importantly, though, you have taken care of yourself.