It’s that time of year when the sun is shining and it becomes harder and harder to concentrate on work. You know that feeling when everyone is taking a vacation from work and you’re too afraid to take yours?!? We’ve all been there!
Several years ago I was jealous but was too afraid to use mine because of all the work I would have to do when I got back. I would panic on my trips worried that I didn’t answer an email or that someone would need me for something and I wasn’t there. Yep, I went totally nuts about it! But now… there is nothing that is going to stop me from time to relax and re energize because I am all about having a proper vacation system in place. Even though the workload doesn’t stop when you are away there are 6 key ways to optimize your time off and be more prepared to tackle what’s on your plate when you’re back in the office.
Plan Strategically for a vacation from work
Before taking or scheduling your trip try to find a less stressful time to do it. Some times of year might be better than others and picking one that gives you more flexibility will save you stress in the long run.
Set up an “out of office” reply
If you’re going to be away from your desk without access to email or plan to take longer than usual… you need to have an out of office message. If you don’t have one people will be expecting the same level of service as usual and will be put off if you’re not replying within that time frame. No one will fault you for going on vacation but will be annoyed if you seem like you’re just ignoring them. A simple message:
I am currently out of the office with limited internet access and will read and respond to your email upon my return on (date). If you need immediate assistance, please contact (name/phone number).
Plan out a month
Look at your calendar for the month after you return from vacation to see what big projects are coming up. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What needs to be done before I leave so I am on track for these projects?
- Action: Block off time on your calendar to complete those items
- Who will be my point of contact when I am away for this?
- Action: Reach out to the person and explain the project and their role two weeks prior to vacation or more
- What is a top priority when I get back?
- Action: Block off time on your calendar for when you get back to address this.
- What does my supervisor need to know before I leave?
- Action: Schedule a meeting to keep them in the loop
- Who else is involved in the project that I need to let them know I will be away?
- Action: Contact these individuals and give them a status report, plan for when you’re away and your steps when you get back
Have confidence in your coworkers
This one may seem a little silly to add but it’s one of the most important things. If you’re on vacation -no matter what system you have in place if you don’t trust the people you have delegated things to it’s not going to work. You need to trust others to be part of the process and that they can do their part. You have thought long and hard in the last step who you need to loop in and have given responsibilities to the people you trust. Now, let them handle it!
Set Expectations
Let your colleagues know how accessible you will be on vacation. If you’re totally tuning out.. that’s great.. just let them know. Don’t say you will be available if you don’t mean it! Remember these are your vacation days that you’ve earned. By setting the expectations everyone will be on the same page.
Ask Questions
Still feeling a little unsteady about taking your vacation days? Ask your supervisor for their expectations, delegation suggestions, and for priorities you might have forgotten. This shows initiative, what you’ve done to prepare, and who their new point of contacts are.
Putting in the request and actually taking time off can be difficult and leaves us with a million emotions! It’s important to both plan ahead and prepare for the return. When you get back, try to plan for a few hours of catch up before heading to your first meeting. This will give you the chance to settle in and get your bearings.
What have you done to prepare for your vacation from work?
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Taking time off is so important for many reasons! These are all wonderful tips for taking vacation time and prepping beforehand 🙂 I especially love setting expectations with your co-workers!
Kristen | http://www.sophisticatedgal.com
Thanks so much Kristen! There have been times when people assumed I would still be available even though I was away. I totally learned the hard way and now give the heads up!
Great tips! It can be hard to let go of projects you’re working on, but I think vacation is so important!
I couldn’t agree more Rachel! It’s so important to take some time off.
Love these tips! I’m actually about to take a month off of work. It’s a little different though because it’s my own business and I don’t have any co-workers to rely on so I’m literally just going to be not making money for a month, plus whatever time it takes me to get things back up and going after the break but it’s definitely much needed! I started winding down my work last week and I already feel so much better.
xo Michelle | She’s Not So Basic
I LOVE that you are taking time for yourself and have planned out what needs to be done and what you’re willing to do to take the time. I totally get it and I’m with you that it’s so much harder to take off when it’s your own business and your income relies on you essentially not taking time away. You have the best blog name.. btw!
These are so important! I used to do this when I had a 9-5, but my coworkers never respected my expectations and would always call me nonstop *eye roll* haha and they wonder why i was unhappy there!
It’s seriously the worst when people expect you to be as responsive even though you’re taking days OFF and using the days you earned to do it! Ugh!
So many good tips! Taking time off is so important for your mental health and wellbeing.
Thank so you much Keating and I completely agree. Taking time off gives us the space to breath and enhances our well being.
Wow this was perfect. I loved the note about trusting your coworkers. It can be hard to put your work and trust in someone else
It seems silly but we totally have to trust that the people we work with are capable of completing the work! Thanks so much for reach Kallie!
These are great tips! I especially value the ones about reaching out to and trusting your coworkers. As a therapist, it can be sorta scary leaving a patient’s mental health in the hands of someone less familiar with the case than I am. It used to nauseate me to go on vacation! Not good at all. Now I have a stronger relationship with my coworkers. Investing in them all year round and learning their work styles has given me such peace of mind when it comes time to do something nice for myself, whether it be go home early because of a migraine or take a week off work.
Thanks so much Amanda! Working in higher education doing something similar I can completely relate. I was always so nervous especially for sensitive cases but it helped me build stronger relationships with coworkers and I previously set expectations with my students so they understood what was going on and were not as overwhelmed by the short term change. It really is important to invest in work relationships and understand work styles. We can learn so much from one another and can seriously help each other out. Thanks for your awesome advice!
This is super helpful! I feel bad sometimes for taking off work and taking vacations – especially as an educator! These are great tips!