We all say we need a vacation, but why is it that when we finally do get a vacation our work comes with us? Well, because businesses don’t take vacations (unless it’s a permanent one…). There is always work to do.
While it might be a necessity to take work along, it’s important to draw a line that determines how much is too much.
Working on vacation doesn’t just affect the person doing the work. It affects everyone around them, which is oftentimes family members. A survey conducted by WorkPlace Impact (WPI) among working women found that 62% say checking their work emails and work calls on vacation frustrates their loved ones.
To resist the temptation, 60% of working women surveyed said they would seek out a vacation destination where they would be forced to disconnect from work.
Instead of limiting potential destinations to remote villages with no internet or cell service, follow these tips to help with disconnecting from work while on vacation:
1. Work Ahead. Work an extra hour or two each day the week before an upcoming vacation. It will help ease the anxiety of possibly falling behind while away.
2. Communicate and delegate. Ask a coworker or trusted colleague to fill in for you on certain projects. Document what you normally do in order to make it as easy as possible for this person to assume the role.
3. Clean your inbox. Lessen unwanted worries by leaving for vacation with an empty inbox. Tie up as many loose ends as possible so a clean slate is waiting upon return.
4. Silent phone notifications. Phone buzzes initiate phone usage. Use smart settings to assign a ring to only important numbers; turn off and silent all notifications otherwise. This will help with resisting the urge to check notifications on the spot. Instead, check them on your time.
5. Set aside 15 minutes. It’s ok to check on work while away, as long as it is for a short amount of time, and during a time that does not disrupt activities, such as before bed. Make sure there aren’t any fires and give yourself peace of mind. Enlist others to keep you accountable.
What other methods have you found useful in disconnecting from work?
