Which of the following should not come with you on your next tropical vacation?
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Sunscreen
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Magazine
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Beach towel
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Laptop
The answer is pretty obvious. The simple truth is everyone needs a break from work. And by “break,” we mean a real vacation – one where you’re not just physically separated from the office, but mentally, too. Here’s why:
Vacations are good for your brain. The concept of a “working vacation” may sound appealing, but it doesn’t provide the benefits a true break from work does. Why? Your brain needs periodic, sustained breaks to recharge and work at peak levels. Research shows that pushing yourself through too many days or hours of work in a row is counterproductive. Creativity and efficiency diminish, while mistakes and frustration increase.
Breaks from your business lead to employee growth. If you’re a bit of a control freak, you know how tough it can be to truly disconnect and allow your team to manage things while you’re on vacation. But honestly, time away is beneficial to your team. When you’re not there to micromanage, your staff gets a chance to stretch their wings and make decisions.
If you’ve done your job well, you’ve set a solid strategy key employees can use to guide their actions while you’re gone. So trust them to do their jobs well in your absence! Your employees will appreciate your confidence in their abilities and rise to the occasion.
And if your business simply can’t survive your vacation? Consider it a wake-up call. Examine your people and processes to find out where you need to make improvements.
Unplugging gives you perspective. When you’re stuck in the mire of day-to-day business, it’s tough to obtain the long-term perspective you need to manage strategically. Only when you truly unplug can you think clearly about big-picture issues and set the course for your business.
The same holds true for your employees. Time away from work (i.e., real week-long vacations with no work email) allows your staff members to destress, improve focus and performance, and return with a renewed sense of purpose.
Need help making vacations a reality?
Corps Team provides flexible, professional support services for vacation coverage and other short-term staffing gaps, so you can access additional help when you or your employees need it. Contact your local Corps Team office to learn more.
