Balancing a vacation and a busy office



photo credit http://www.flickr.com/photos/igorlazunna/

For some people the thought of taking a vacation from work induces stress.  Fear of not being around to handle situations that may arise, as well as the thought of facing a barrage of messages upon return outweighs the inclination to take a break.  A reluctance to use vacation time can also be due to unstated norms at work.

Following are some things to consider if you are thinking about a vacation but undecided if it is worth it.

Everyone needs a break:  Vacations are good for everyone who works.  Day-to-day distractions and ongoing longer concerns can sap energy and creativity.  Taking a vacation is like hitting the reset button and can help diminish the stress, frustration, and weariness that are part of any job.  A vacation can therefore boost work productivity.

It is healthy to maintain a balance between work and life, and therefore work does not always take precedence.  However, there may be times during your career when it may be necessary to skip a vacation, particularly if you are working on a time sensitive project in a work environment in which you have career ambitions.

Scheduling a vacation:  If you work in a place where vacation IS NOT seniority based planning ahead is one of the best ways to ensure that you will get the time off that you want.  Usually, the further ahead you plan, the better your chances are. Overall, vacation planning is most effective when it is a team effort involving colleagues, direct reports and your immediate manager.

If you have a vacation scheduling conflict, and you must attend an important event, mapping out your responsibilities during your absence and how they will be covered may help garner support from your manager to take the time off you need.

How to enjoy your vacation:  Before you leave, develop a plan that details what you intend to finish before you go, as well as the daily tasks that will be handled each day during your absence and by whom.  This way everyone knows their responsibilities.

If your absence will involve other people outside of your organization, notify them in advance that you will be away and provide them with the name of the contact person during your absence.  A side effect of taking a vacation is that high-potential employees may benefit by your absence as it provides them with an opportunity to handle more responsibility.

If you work in a time-sensitive environment or in a place where other staff may need to contact you, make yourself available for a certain period a few times each week or a short time frame each day.

Corporate culture and unstated norms sometimes result in staff being available around the clock.  You must decide to what extent you want to adhere to this work expectation.

Transitioning back to work:   Before you leave on your vacation, schedule a transition meeting for the morning you return with those who have covered for you.  These staff members can let you know about what happened in your absence. 

If you work in a face-paced environment it may be a good idea to clear your voice and e-mail the night before you return to work. 

The Northfield Public Library has a number of resources that can help you find a life and work balance.  Below are just a few of the resources we have in the Northfield Public Library related to the topic of work-life balance.

One Year to An Organized Work Life by Regina Leeds.  Philadelphia, PA:  Da Capo Press, c2009- 650.1 LE
Sleeping With Your Smartphone:  How to Break the 24/7 Habit and Change the Way You Work by Leslie A. Perlow.  Boston, Mass.:  Harvard University Press, c2012. - on order
Work Happy:  What Great Bosses Know by Jill Giesler.  New York:  Center Street, c2012 – 658.4 GE
Work to Live: The Guide to Getting a Life by Joe Robinson.  New York: Perigee, c2003 – 650.1 RO