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How to have a healthy vacation and leave work at work

12/18/08

Before the advent of laptops, Blackberrys and wireless technology, “getting away from it all” was something people accomplished on vacation. There were no calls, no emails, completely no contact with the office during their break from work.

But, times have changed. Even if you’re on the other side of the globe, the office is only a quick phone call, instant message or email away. Though all of these technologies are great tools when you’re working from home or away on business, they have no place in employees’ vacations.

It’s estimated that one quarter of workers will be staying in touch with the office while on vacation this year, according to CareerBuilder’s annual vacation survey. Another one in ten people said that their boss is expecting them to complete work or check voice and email messages while on vacation.

If you’re looking to improve productivity, encourage employees to take vacations and not worry about the office while they’re gone. They’ll return with recharged batteries and a new sense of motivation.

When it’s time for employees to leave on vacation, tell them to leave work at work and do their best to unwind. Consider these five tips to stop worrying about the office while on vacation:

  • Plan ahead. Let all of your clients and team members know when you’ll be on vacation. Plan to have work completed before you leave, or delegate small tasks to your coworkers. Give at least one person on your team a copy of important information (e.g. contacts, phone numbers) they may need in your absence.
  • Clean up. Clean your work area before leaving for vacation. It will help you make sure you didn’t miss anything important and help you to be more relaxed when you return. A clean desk will also deter coworkers from slipping you an extra folder or two while you’re away.
  • Schedule time. Keep your calendar open for the day you plan on returning to the office. Though you may think you want to jump right back into meetings when you get back, it will be better to give yourself a day or two to relax. If needed, schedule a full-day meeting with yourself for the day you get back.
  • Disconnect. Resist the urge to pack it and leave the laptop at home. Even if you don’t plan on using it to do work over vacation, the temptation may be too strong to avoid. Know that your boss and coworkers have your phone number and will call in case of emergency. Most things can usually wait until you get back.
  • Set the example. If you’re the boss and want employees to disconnect while on vacation, lead by example. Do as you wish your employees would and limit your contact with the office while you’re away. Employees will feel more comfortable when it’s their time to take vacation if you show them that you’re able to take a break.

Use vacation time for exactly what it was meant for - having a vacation. Even if you don’t leave town, keep your focus away from the office and on having a good time. You’ll return to the office rested, relaxed and more productive than before you left.