Image: Pexelsl There’s nothing worse than looked forward to your much deserved leave from work, only to feel like you’re constantly within reach when an office […]
There’s nothing worse than looked forward to your much deserved leave from work, only to feel like you’re constantly within reach when an office crisis ensues – or even when it doesn’t.
Or there’s that need to always “just check an email quickly” when you’re supposed to be unwinding on a tropical island getaway (or more like chilling at home because of the lockdown). Let’s not forget the disapproving looks you draw from family when reach for your device.
You’re not alone: A survey found that most breadwinners only feel they’re out of their boss’s reach when they travel at least 1 600km from the office. A third say they only really let go of work when they take a long-haul flight.
Sue Petrie, British Airways’ Commercial Manager for Southern Africa, says that while the survey was conducted in the UK, it’s safe to suggest that breadwinners in other countries feel similar pressures.
Access to digital media means that potentially anyone, anywhere can have access to their office, clients, colleagues and suppliers. While that can make your business competitive and efficient, it can also make it hard to switch off, even when you’ve earned a break.
TRY THESE TIPS TO REALLY LEAVE YOUR OFFICE LIFE BEHIND WHEN ON HOLIDAY:
Schedule your withdrawal:
If you have tasks to delegate to colleagues, it may be useful to set aside time for a handover meeting with all relevant contact details and information. It’s a sad fact of working life that some co-workers find it easier to disrupt your breakfast on the hotel patio than to read the information you sent them that would answer their questions.
So, while it’s good to send your team all the intricate detail they might need, some team leaders find it useful to create a document for colleagues titled, “Read this before contacting me,” similar to the FAQs (frequently asked questions on a website).
Make a date:
Not all teams need to have this spelled out in such detail, but it may be useful to let everyone know which is your last day at the office. Try setting aside that day to have final briefings with to-do lists for all concerned. In effect you’re saying, “Are there any questions?” before you leave. That’s also the day to set up your Out of Office notice on Outlook, along with the names and numbers of who to contact.
Set up feedback:
Many of us work while on holiday because we dread returning to a pile of work, or to tasks that need redoing because of halfhearted, distracted or overworked colleagues. Scheduling some time on your return to get an update on what happened while you were away will help you to get up to speed quickly. It may also encourage colleagues to whom you’ve delegated work, to in fact do the work rather than explain why they haven’t.
Double up or go silent:
Some business people find it useful to have two mobile devices when on holiday. The idea is to use one for business, which is only switched on for a few minutes each day, while the other is used for holiday-related activities like GPSing, playing music or hailing rides. If that’s all too much effort, simply leaving your work device switched off or for the truly brave – at home – can feel truly liberating.
AUTHOR: IOL Supplied Content
