So take the time to disconnect from e mail throughout your trip
Like many of you, I am preparing with my family for my vacation break (away from work!). While traditional year-end holidays may be canceled, it doesn't mean you have to keep working. After a year like this, we all deserve some recharge time, even if that means extra time at home to catch up on our favorite TV shows.
Unlike many other people, I will disconnect from my business email during this time. By now you may be familiar with my thoughts on checking email while on vacation, and even my email-free vacation promise. But have you already made a commitment?
I was able to ensure free time at work without interruption for many reasons and thought I'd share my top 6 tips below.
6 Tips to Make Sure Your Free Time To Recharge Is Email Free
- Set an example: The most effective leaders plan ahead and prepare their team for success so they can disconnect and recharge. They also know that they are modeling the importance of time off for all of their staff.
- Adjust your mindset: In your spare time, plan to not access email or be busy with work. Let's face it: if you didn't have email access, not only would you survive, but you would adapt quickly and use your well-earned time to recharge.
- Prepare customers and employees: Before you leave, let people know that you are not available (and give them alternate contacts) and that you look forward to some time off to recharge. We teach others how to treat us, and setting expectations beforehand will help you pull the plug without feeling guilty.
- Be "present" to the right people: Being present personally and through technology is important to our colleagues when we are at work. It is just as important to be present for us and our families when we are on vacation. Work can wait a week.
- Most problems solve themselves: Think about the times when you will not be available during working hours. Most of the time, work problems are found out without your intervention.
- Everyone needs free time: In this way we recharge, reconnect with what matters most, and feel re-energized to do our best. Don't waste precious time by turning your vacation into a "work place".
You may think this sounds difficult. It is. But the more we set up our teams to be successful without ourselves, the better leaders we become, our employees become empowered, and we can get the necessary R&R.
It also helps us become more productive as soon as we get back to work.
How do you plan so that you can have the upcoming vacation days you deserve?
– David Grossman
Make a commitment to taking the right steps to ensure your most relaxing vacation yet. Click below Take the email-free vacation promise.
