Can you believe that we’re at the end of yet another year? Come December, a lot of people tend to lose focus- which I don’t encourage, but taking some time off to be with family is perfectly acceptable if you’ve worked for it.
Most people love vacations, and they do serve a purpose. My thinking is that you should take enough time off to fulfil your desire for time off- meaning you should take enough time off to feel rejuvenated and energised. A lot of folks feel like they need holidays, but if you look at the most successful people in the world, generally they don’t take that much vacation time. That’s because they don’t see their work as a chore; they see it as something they enjoy.
Use your time off this festive season to map out how you’re going to achieve your goals in 2020 and then come back fresh, and ready to make things happen.
Should you be taking leave here is how to prepare a handover:
- Give advanced warning: It’s always good to let your colleagues and clients know about your leave well in advance. Check in with all your clients before you take your vacation time and put their minds at ease. Also, be sure to let them know who they can speak to in your absence.
- Prepare a handover document: Many people leave handover documents until the very last minute, and then valuable information and action points are forgotten. Start your handover document at least a week or two before you leave and walk your colleagues through it.
- Tie up loose ends: Make sure that you do as much work as possible before you go on leave. It might require you working longer hours, but if you want to take leave then you’ve got to work for it! Make sure that everything is up to date and completed and have clear action points for yourself on your return.
- Set an ‘out of office’: What would your prospects and clients think if they sent you a mail and you didn’t reply? Ensure that you set an ‘out of office’ on your email account that includes the dates that you’ll be away, the contact names and numbers of the people who can assist your clients in your absence, and an emergency number that they can reach you on should they really need to.
- Hand back: Many people give handovers to colleagues before they go away, but very few get a handover when they get back. It’s important to discuss exactly what happened while you were away so that you know of any urgent action points as soon as you return. Give all of your clients a call to tell them that you’re back and ask them what they need assistance with.
