We all lead such busy lives and thanks to technology we’re never really able to switch off, or stop working.
Nowadays, we are reachable almost anywhere, at any time. Which has contributed to society’s expectation of us being available, regardless of working hours.
In fact, some people have a genuine inability to “switch off” at the end of a working day. Which can lead to increased levels of stress, family issues and in some cases, depression.
We’re here to tell you that it is 100% okay for you to take a holiday – we don’t mean a ‘working’ holiday, or time off where you take work with you. We mean a sleep in, no work, no emails, and no work-related phone calls holiday.
The Harvard Business Review, a general management magazine, actually encourages holidays and time away in their article “The Data-Driven Case for Vacation”. Want to know why? It’s because when you’ve had time off and you’ve rested, you become more productive and less likely to make a mistake.
Tired, overworked employees are more likely to make mistakes and overlook things. In some industries, this might not seem so bad, but if you’re operating heavy machinery or working with chemicals, then focus and a clear head is important.
TO ENSURE YOU’RE GETTING THE REST YOU DESERVE, HERE ARE SOME RULES FOR YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY:
1) SAY GOODBYE
Inform your office and clients of your leave at least a week before you go on holiday. Then before you head out of the office, activate an ‘out of office’ message on your emails, so your client and colleagues know you’re away.
2) STAY OUT OF TOUCH
Turn off your cell phone during the day, or leave it on silent. If there is anything urgent, you can deal with it when you get back to the office. Besides, what can you really do when you’re sitting poolside?
3) SKIP THE EMAIL CHECK
Actively choose not to check your work emails. Yes, this is a choice. Some people can’t go 30 mins without checking their inbox, for them, this task isn’t going to be easy.
4) WORK CAN WAIT
Don’t take any unfinished work with you. Leave your work for when you’re back at the office, inside of your working hours.
5) IT’S OKAY TO GO ON HOLIDAY
Know that it’s okay to not be on call 24/7. You aren’t doing a bad job, nor are you doing anything wrong. It’s okay to take a holiday, switch off and enjoy it.
To all those workaholics, those career men and women, we, at City Lodge Hotel Group say take a break – a real break.
Treat yourself to a stay at any one of our hotels. We promise you there’ll be a comfy bed ready for you.