‘Out of office’: boost well-being with a rejuvenating holiday
Research consistently shows that holidays are not just enjoyable—they're essential for our well-being and productivity. Whether you're an entrepreneur burning the midnight oil or a professional dealing with the demands of a corporate career, mastering the art of 'Out of Office' is crucial for maintaining work-life balance and even boosting productivity.
Interestingly, even short breaks can have lasting effects. A study from the Institute of Sports Medicine in Austria found that employees who took just four days off experienced reduced stress levels and improved well-being that persisted for 45 days after their holidays.
What’s more, contrary to what you might think, taking time off doesn't hinder your career progress. Research indicates that people who use more holidays days are actually more likely to receive a raise or bonus. So, let's dive into how you can make the most of your time away from work.
Before you go: preparing for your time off
Working ahead
To fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about work piling up, try to complete any pressing tasks before you leave. This might mean putting in a few extra hours in the weeks leading up to your holidays, but it's worth it for peace of mind.
Creating a thorough handover
Communication is key when preparing for time off. Consider addressing the following with your team or colleagues:
Main functions that need covering in your absence
Potential scenarios that might arise and how to handle them
Your availability (or lack thereof) while you're away
David Ballard, director of the office of applied psychology at the APA, suggests, "Taking these pre-emptive steps can help eliminate the worry that something will slip through the cracks."
Writing an effective OOO message
A well-crafted out-of-office message is crucial for managing expectations and ensuring urgent matters are handled. Include following elements:
Thank the sender for their message
Let them know you’re away
Provide key dates: when you’ll be away and when you’ll be back to work
Provide point(s) of contact for anything urgent
Here’s an approach to consider: if you’d like to make your OOO message a little more interesting, why not add some recent exciting developments in your company, useful resources or a fun playlist?
If you’d like to set firm boundaries and would rather not face thousands of emails on your return, consider Daniel Sieberg's suggestion from The Digital Diet: let people know that you won't be reading or responding to any emails received during your holidays and ask senders to follow up after your return if follow-up is needed. Chances are that the issue will have resolved while you were away.
While you're away: making the most of your holiday
The key to a rejuvenating holiday is to truly disconnect from work. This might seem challenging, especially for entrepreneurs and professionals used to being constantly available, but it's crucial for reaping the full benefits of your time off.
First, limit work-related activities, including checking your emails and messages! As Bill Becker from Virginia Tech's Pamplin College of Business points out in this Time article, "continuous attention-shifting keeps you in your work mindset and doesn't allow you to disconnect and recharge."
Instead of checking emails or taking calls, immerse yourself in your surroundings. Whether you're at a beach, in the mountains, or exploring a new city, take time to truly engage with your environment. Go for walks, try local cuisines, or simply sit and observe the world around you. The key is to choose activities that help you unwind and bring you joy, rather than those you feel obligated to do.
Related: Stay-cationing in Dublin this summer? Check out our Guide to Malahide for plenty of things to do in The View’s local area of scenic Malahide.
Lastly, try easing up on your social media posting and consumption. While you may want to share your experiences, posting and checking can keep you tethered to the digital world you're trying to escape. Take a break from constant pings and notifications; setting up notifications summaries allows you to stay loosely connected without being drawn back into your regular online routines.
Returning to work: maintaining well-being as you ease back into your work routine
Transitioning back to work after a holiday can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can maintain that holiday glow a bit longer and ease back into your routine more effectively.
Start by giving yourself a buffer. If possible, return home a day before you're due back at work. This gives you time to unpack, do laundry, and mentally prepare for the return to your regular routine.
When you do return to work, ease yourself in gradually. Your first priority should be to check in with your boss, coworkers, and anyone who covered for you while you were away and get a download of anything important you missed.
Once you're up to speed, it's time to reassess your priorities. The tasks or lists you made before you left may not match up with the current reality. Make a new list of priorities based on what's most urgent now. Remember, you don't need to tackle everything at once. Clearly outline your catch-up plan based on importance and give yourself the time, space, and kindness necessary to start working on them.
As you settle back into work, try to maintain some of the positive habits or mindsets you developed during your time off. Maybe you started each day with a short meditation or took regular breaks to stretch. Incorporating these practices into your work routine can help extend the benefits of your holiday and contribute to a healthier work-life balance in the long term.
The post-holiday period is also a great time to reflect on your work and career goals. Your time away may have given you fresh perspectives or new ideas. Don't be afraid to bring these insights back to your work – they're part of the value that taking time off brings to both you and your organisation.
The key to work-life balance
Taking time off isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity for maintaining productivity, creativity, and overall well-being.
At The View, we are all about promoting a better work-life balance. Book a tour of The View today and discover how our co-working space with a range of private offices, hot desks, and meeting rooms overlooking the scenic Malahide harbour can support your productivity while encouraging time for rejuvenation and well-being.