Stop Worrying about Work While You're on Vacation

Going on vacation this summer?  While vacations are meant to be relaxing, it can feel nearly impossible to fully relax when you’re worried about your business while you’re gone. 

I know the anxious feeling of checking emails and taking phone calls when I had planned to be reading by the pool! But over the years, I’ve learned how to prioritize ensuring that my business runs smoothly without me, allowing me the freedom to confidently unwind and actually relax when I’m on vacation.

Here are 4 tips to help you achieve the same and enjoy your well-deserved time away:

Pre-Plan Your Workload

Look ahead to what tasks would normally be completed during the time that you’re gone, and begin to schedule those tasks in advance accordingly. The key here is to start planning ahead as early as possible, so you can spread out the extra tasks instead of piling them all on within the last week before you leave. 

Make a checklist of all pending tasks and deadlines during the period leading up to your vacation.

Use automation tools to schedule routine tasks, emails, and social media posts. This minimizes the need for manual intervention while you’re away.

Delegate Responsibilities

For tasks that cannot be done ahead of time, make a clear plan to delegate those responsibilities to others. Provide detailed instructions or training as needed so that whoever is covering for you feels confident in their ability to do so.

Establish Communication Protocols

Set clear boundaries regarding availability during your time off to manage expectations. Set your OOO message and inform your staff and colleagues to not reach out unless it is an emergency. Prepare a contingency plan and designate someone who can handle urgent matters in your absence.

Prepare Your Clients

Communicate with your clients ahead of time that you will be out of office, so they aren’t surprised by your absence. Always provide them with a backup contact to reach out to while you are gone.

Vacations are essential for our mental and emotional well-being, but they should not come at the cost of added stress about work. By mastering the art of planning ahead, you not only enhance your vacation experience but also foster a healthier work-life balance. So, take the time to prepare, delegate, and organize before your next vacation—your future self will thank you for it.

Interested in learning more about how to achieve a business that works without you? Sign up for my next GrowthClub in September, where you’ll create a roadmap to success–with guaranteed results in just 90 days.