During the summer months, you may have the extra task of juggling schedules as your workers take vacations. And even the days leading up to these vacations may be less productive if your workers are stressing out over vacation preparations.
You can help the vacation season run more smoothly in your workplace by training employees on how to systematically prepare for their vacations at work and at home. Here are some ideas to give your employees for stress-free vacation preparation. Note that not all of these suggestions fit all kinds of jobs. Give your workers those that fit your industry or profession.
- Plan vacation dates for slow times at work.
- Put in for your vacation well ahead, so that your supervisor can plan for your absence. Work with your supervisor to arrange your workload around your time off.
- Start the process of getting ahead several weeks before your vacation—rather than cramming in the week before.
- Talk with co-workers about helping one another out for your respective vacations.
- Set up a vacation e-mail notifying co-workers and customers of your absence and return date, and directing them to another source for their needs.
- Set up a vacation voice mail with the same information. These steps are common courtesy and may help lessen your workload upon your return as people get what they need from the source you list.
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If you notice frazzled employees in the days before a scheduled vacation, find out if the stress is caused by preparing their home for vacation. If so, encourage them to make a To-Do List a week or so before they leave and check off one item a day. Here’s a suggested prep list you can offer employees:
- Let trusted neighbors know you’ll be away. If you’ll be gone for a week or more, ask someone you trust to check your house every few days.
- Arrange pet care.
- Stop mail delivery. You can do this at www.usps.gov.
- Stop newspaper delivery.
- Set up a light-on timer to turn on every evening and off by morning.
- Unplug TVs and other electronic equipment.
- Turn down the thermostat.
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Assure your employees that you understand how vacations are very important for a wellness lifestyle. All work and no play can be dangerous to their health and their productivity. So encourage them to take their entitled time off to relax with family and friends. And help them—and yourself—to not let their getaways become a source of stress.
Why It Matters
- Earned vacations are important times of refreshing and relaxation.
- Preparing for vacations can be stressful if not done systematically.
- You can improve worker morale and productivity by helping them to not get stressed while preparing at work and at home for taking time off.