Spell It: Going on vacation? Here are three strategies to leave work behind
We learn to put some boundaries in place and create cohesive plans for our absence
Flying out on a vacation soon? Make sure you’re not bringing along any extra baggage.
Click start to play today’s Spell It, where we ‘plot’ ways to leave our worries behind and truly enjoy our holiday.
Disconnecting from work while on vacation is easier said than done. Some workplaces expect you to stay connected, reply to emails and even attend meetings when you’re on leave. But studies dating back to the 1910s show that completely disconnecting from work is vital to lowering burnout, increasing energy and improving overall well-being. A May 2012 study in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that by completely disengaging from work, employees returned to perform with more consistent productivity.
So, how do you completely disconnect? Here are a few tips, according to US-based Harvard Business Review (HBR):
1. Provide a plan
Once your vacation is approved, be clear with your team and manager that you will be unavailable during your time off. Also, provide a plan for your boss and colleagues so that they can cover your absence – this is crucial, especially for long vacations. Remember to ask your manager if they need anything else outside of what you’ve prepared. The more you collaborate ahead of your vacation, the less stressed they’ll be about coverage, and the more you can enjoy your time off.
2. Maximise your out-of-office notification
Most people can’t leave their jobs without having someone else to pick up their work or respond to emergencies. In your out-of-office email, make sure you mention who will be available in your absence. Align with your manager first, about who should be contacted for an emergency, and who will handle other important but non-urgent inquiries.
3. Send pre-notices for standing meetings
One way of being proactive is to send emails to people who run meetings, to let them know you won’t be there and to ask if they require anything from you before you depart. If the information discussed in those meetings is vital for you, it would be worth asking them to record it – especially if it’s held on Zoom or Microsoft Teams – so that you can go through the information when you return.
By setting clear boundaries, you’re not just making sure you’ll be able to fully disconnect on vacation, but you’re also setting up your colleagues for success.
Are you able to completely leave work behind when you go on vacation? Play today’s Spell It and tell us at games@gulfnews.com.