Welcome to my July column. With the holiday season upon us I thought I would reflect on the importance of having a proper break and time off when on holiday, whether that be at home or away.
I have often been guilty of looking at my emails when on holiday. Invariably this draws you in to responding or actioning something and before you know it you are straight back in to work mode. You may as well be back in the office. And then when you return to work with that feeling you’ve not had a break.
I have just been away for 10 days and made a promise to myself that this year I would have a proper break and would not be tempted to look at my emails.
I put my ‘out of office’ on the day before I went on holiday and updated my voicemail greeting, I was all set for a real break.
During the 10 days away I didn’t once look at my email, and to be honest the temptation to look was actually easy to overcome in reality. I also stayed away from LinkedIn to make sure I had a complete break from the wider business community as well.
I am fortunate to have an amazing and highly capable team behind me and I know things will run smoothly whether I am there in the office or not. There is no need to look at any emails at all, which is good because it can only take just one negative email to really niggle you and effectively spoil your day.
And of course, if there was a real crisis, I could be contacted if it were really necesary.
Because I took these measures I have returned to work feeling rested, motivated and ready to get back to things with energy and enthusiasm.
Having a good break away from things is so important it hugely improves your productivity when you do finally return to the office. You should hopefully feel both rested and energised when you get back to work, ready to get stuck in.
I’d always recommend employers really promote this approach with their staff and encourage colleagues to make sure they have a proper break, it’s so important for our general wellbeing and mental health.
And of course it will also hugely benefit your business with a motivated and energised team, which is the greatest asset in any business.
Enjoy the summer!
Ian
