Do you agree, we all need a vacation once in a while? To recharge our batteries! To reconnect with friends, family, or a good book! To give our brains time to wander and innovate! To find external best practices that can be brought back to work!

If you are like many of us, you may be saying "I need a break, I want a break, but I don't have time."  OR "My work is important and I have no one to cover for me."

There is little doubt that what you do is important. Having balance, in your life, is not a poor reflection on your work ethics or importance. There are many root causes to why others do not vacation (this is for another time!). This article, is to provide steps to taking a true vacation from work. Not the "I'm checking email every day" or "Text me if you need anything" vacations. We're talking a true healthy and mentally-recharging vacation!

 1. Plan For It

• Write down or collect all work that must be done prior to your departure.
• Write down or collect all work that you would like to do prior to your departure.
• Write down or collect all the work that must be done while you are out.
• Prioritize all the tasks. Reference our prioritization techniques webinar

2. Work Ahead

If possible, a little extra overtime now can make vacation time all the sweeter! TIP: Stay focused on the priority tasks.

3. Effectively Onboard Your Backup

• Based on the priority tasks that cannot be completed prior to your departure, identify who can help. These team members, because together you are successful, may be a peer, your supervisor, or someone who works for you. Providing vacation backup can also be a development opportunity!
• Provide documented standardized work instructions so that your back up has process knowledge to follow. Link to documenting standardized work instructions instruction
• Walk through the standardized work to confirm understanding and your backup's ability to perform the work. Maybe have your backup do a bit of the work before you go so that you can answer questions and provide coaching live and together.

4. Prepare For Your Return

No kidding! Before you depart, prepare for your return.

• Write down what you need to do immediately upon your return. This really helps you jump into productive 1st days back.
• In your email, provide an away message with backup information; instead of contact me for anything😎.
• Leave unneeded work devices behind and ENJOY!
• Enjoy some much earned rest and relaxation!🌄

We wish you a great vacation and a return where you are healthier and more energized!