Ditch the Desk, Embrace the Deckchair: How to Relax on Holiday

We've all been there. That idyllic image of sipping a cocktail by the pool, phone silenced, mind at peace? Yeah, reality often involves balancing a laptop on your knees, desperately trying to find decent Wi-Fi while fielding work emails. In today's hyper-connected world, truly disconnecting on holiday feels like a luxury, not a right. But it doesn't have to be this way! Let's talk about how to reclaim your vacation and return to the office refreshed, not frazzled.

The Problem: Work Creep and the Illusion of Availability

Smartphones, tablets, and the ever-present Wi-Fi have blurred the lines between work and leisure. We're constantly accessible, and the pressure to respond, even on holiday, can be overwhelming. This leads to burnout, decreased productivity, and frankly, a pretty miserable holiday.

The Solution: A Proactive Approach to Holiday Harmony

Instead of hoping for the best, let's implement a strategic plan to ensure a truly restful break

1. Empower Your Team: Clarity is Key

Define Roles and Responsibilities: Before you leave, have a frank conversation with your managers and team leaders. Ensure everyone understands their roles and decision-making authority in your absence
Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Discuss potential challenges and develop contingency plans
Establish Communication Boundaries: Clearly define when it's acceptable to contact you. Emphasise that contacting you should be a last resort, not the default. Define "red lines" for emergencies
Encourage Autonomy: Trust your team to handle situations independently. This builds confidence and reduces your need to intervene

2. Strategic Scheduling: Timing is Everything

Avoid Key Milestones: Don't schedule your holiday during critical project deadlines or events requiring your input
Plan for Downtime: Aim for periods of relative calm in your project schedule
Leverage IT Systems: Utilise project management tools and dashboards to stay informed without constant communication
Delegate When Possible (and Trust Your Delegation): If you can't avoid overlapping with important events, delegate tasks and trust your team to deliver
Create a Clean Break: Aim for a week of complete disconnection, reserving yourself for genuine emergencies only

3. Tidy Up Loose Ends:
Pre-Holiday Preparation

Resolve Outstanding Issues: Tie up any loose ends before you leave. The last thing you need is a flurry of questions as you're heading out the door
Avoid New Projects: Refrain from starting new projects or assigning tasks that will require your immediate attention
Communicate Expectations: Clearly inform your team that you won't be available for non-emergency inquiries

4. Embrace Technology for Efficiency: ERP is Your Holiday Hero

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): Take full advantage of your ERP system. It can provide real-time insights into project schedules, resource allocation, and communication, minimising the need for direct intervention.
Centralised Information: Ensure all critical information is accessible through the ERP system, empowering your team to make informed decisions
Streamlined Communication: Utilise ERP messaging features for efficient communication before your departure, reducing the need for constant contact during your holiday
Empowerment Through Visibility: When your team has access to comprehensive information and clear processes, they're more confident in their ability to handle situations independently

In Conclusion: Your Holiday, Your Rules

Taking a proper holiday is not a luxury, it's a necessity. By implementing these strategies, you can minimise work-related stress and return to the office with renewed energy and focus. If you haven’t got an ERP system in place, implement now! Then next year's holiday will be more relaxing.

Remember, a well-rested leader is a more effective leader. So, put down the laptop, silence the notifications, and embrace the well-deserved break. Your team (and your sanity) will thank you for it.