This time of year, we like to reflect and identify some team goals to get us through the end of the year. This November, we are focusing on carving out some time and space to spend the “Holidays Unplugged.”
To do this well and still meet those high work demands, it’s all about three things: preparation, expectation setting and communication. The first step, preparation, is critical. Often what keeps us tied to our jobs and our mobile devices (when we’d prefer be playing), is simply that we aren’t prepared. When we are moving quickly and addressing a long list of deliverables, it can feel hard to justify the time and space actually needed to prepare for our breaks. Yet, if we haven’t planned for our departure and return, we can’t effectively walk away.
To help, we’ve put pen to paper and recorded some of some favorite tips to manage those workloads as we step into more merriment:
Verbally Set Expectations in Advance
We recommend starting to lay out expectations up to four weeks before you leave with your boss, colleagues, and clients. Also, be sure to capitalize on your Email Signature as a communication tool. You can create a simple Out of Office note for the bottom of your signature to remind team members and vendors of your anticipated departure/break.
Write a Great Departure Email
A strong Departure Email should be sent out to key team members and include a high level bulleted list that provides the top activities you are managing. This is really a high level summary of everything you are working on that might need attention while you are out.
Create a Personal Priority List for Your Return:
Also, be sure to write a personal “Priority List” (just for you). Think: high level bullets or key reminders of high priority items to focus on when you get back. The purpose behind the Priority List is simple: it helps you hit the ground running upon your return. If you really relax and fully recharge, ideally you will get to the space where you aren’t thinking about work – which is great!
These ideas were taken from our 3-Part blog series on how to work unplugged. The series is titled “Take your Vacation Back” and the first part of the series is here. Also, to support your holidays even more, we’ve pulled together a fun free Holiday Support Guide. Just email the team at info@integratingwork.com to request your copy.
May you and yours enjoy the holiday season!
All the best,
Woodrie & The Team
